TuLIP (Tunnelled Line Intraluminal Plasty): An Alternative Technique for Salvaging Haemodialysis Catheter Patency in Fibrin Sheath Formation

• DOI: 10.1007/s00270-019-02189-7
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01T11:47:18Z
• Authors: R. Ahmed; S. A. Chapman; P. Tantrige; A. Hussain; E. W. Johnston; C. Fang; T. Ammar; D. Y. Huang; C. J. Wilkins; G. Garzillo; G. T. Yusuf
• Keywords: Aged, 80 and over; Male; Salvage Therapy; Fibrin; Equipment Design; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Catheters, Indwelling; 0302 clinical medicine; Renal Dialysis; Technical Note; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Female; Angioplasty, Balloon; Aged; Retrospective Studies

Renal patients with a tunnelled haemodialysis line are at risk of fibrin 'sheath' formation which can lead to occlusion. Dysfunctional lines best treated by catheter exchange new subcutaneous tunnel; however, there is scarring, venous stenosis, potential loss valuable access as well the infection. We report retrospective review our experience using intraluminal plasty (TuLIP) in 11 over 16 months sheath on pre-existing catheters. All responded treatment median patency post TuLIP reaching 112 days. may have role extending lifespan and delaying more invasive intervention.