Combined use of a Byrd dilator sheath and the tandem approach with the Tetra-Wire technique for stuck and infected haemodialysis catheter removal: what lead extractors should know, a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Removal of stuck tunnelled cuffed catheters (TCCs) is a rare but serious challenge in haemodialysis patients with exhausted vascular access. We report the first successful use of a polypropylene sheath combined with an adaptation of the tandem approach (a principal transvenous lead extraction technique employing a snare for controlled bidirectional traction from both superior and femoral approaches) for safe, effective removal of a stuck TCC. This case highlights that multidisciplinary expertise from lead extraction can be leveraged for catheter removal.

Case summary

A 78-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease presented with erythema, swelling, and abscess at the left cervical tunnel site, 2 years after TCC placement. Imaging demonstrated complete occlusion o

SUBMITTER: Kasai Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12919361 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature