The dialysis vessel in the arm carries blood from the arm back to the heart through the vessels in the chest.
The vessels in this region of the chest, because they lie at the center of the body, are collectively called the central veins.
Patients who have had a neck dialysis catheter in the past have a higher chance of developing central vein stenosis or occlusion.
So reducing the chance of needing a dialysis catheter also reduces the chance of central vein disease later.
When a central vein is narrowed or blocked, blood returning from the arm to the heart does not flow smoothly.
Over time, blood pools in the arm and chest, leading to a marked growth of blue-purple spider-web-like vessels on the neck and chest.
In severe cases it causes numbness in the hand, a sense of heaviness, aching and distension, and even swelling.
For patients with central vein stenosis or occlusion who have no obvious symptoms, regular follow-up with a vascular surgeon and conservative observation are recommended.
If clinical symptoms appear, minimally invasive treatment with balloon angioplasty or stent placement can currently be used, with bypass surgery when necessary.
Recently, the newer hybrid HeRO graft has also been used to address central vein stenosis or occlusion.
Dr. Su’s team has also accumulated considerable experience in this field in recent years.
