Successful Removal and Replacement of a Stuck Hemodialysis Catheter via Thoracotomy: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Abstract Introduction Stuck tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) have been increasingly reported. In rare cases, the impossibility of extracting the CVC from the central vein after regular traction is the result of rigid adhesions to the surrounding fibrin sheath. Forced traction during catheter removal can cause serious complications, including cardiac tamponade, hemothorax, and hemorrhagic shock. Knowledge and experience on how to properly manage the stuck catheter are still limited. Case Presentation Here, we present two cases that highlight the successful removal of the stuck tunneled CVC via thoracotomy through the close collaboration of multidisciplinary specialists in the best possible way. Both patients underwent an unsuccessful attempt at thrombolytic therapy with urokinase, catheter traction under the guidance of digital subtraction angiography and intraluminal balloon dilation. And we reviewed the literature on stuck catheters in the hope of providing knowledge and effective approaches to attempted removal of stuck catheters. Conclusion There is no standardized procedure for dealing with stuck catheters. Intraluminal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty should be considered as the first-line treatment, while open surgery represents a second option only in the event of failure. Care must be taken that forced extubation can cause patients life-threatening.