American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the percutaneous translumbar approach for long-term hemodialysis catheter access. Seventeen double-lumen hemodialysis catheters were placed percutaneously from the right flank to the inferior vena cava in 12 patients. Catheter placement was successful in all patients. ⋯ Four catheters remained in place. Cumulative patency was 52% at 6 months and 17% at 12 months. Translumbar inferior vena cava hemodialysis catheters represent a valuable alternative in cases in which traditional catheter sites have failed.