Unnoticed perforation of iliac vein during placement of a tunneled catheter for hemodialysis

Luis R. Álvarez-Velazquez, Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital General de Zona No 83, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
Julio C. Mora-Pérez, Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital General de Zona No 83, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
Luis R. Álvarez-Bribiesca, Servicio Urgencias, Clínica ISSSTE La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico

Venous perforation is a serious complication that can occur during catheter insertion. If vascular perforation is suspected, keeping the catheter in place is of utmost importance. Femoral catheters are a safe option with a low incidence of perforation, especially when the thoracic veins cannot be accessed. We present the case of a patient with an external iliac vein perforation who had a tunneled catheter inserted for hemodialysis without difficulties by the femoral pathway.

Keywords: Iliac vein. Hemodialysis. Perforation. Vascular access. Complications.