Percutaneous valvulotomy as an alternative to transposition of a brachiocephalic fistula.

Transposition of a deep (9-12 mm) autogenous brachiocephalic vein fistula was required for adequate hemodialysis access in a morbidly obese patient. The patient was a poor candidate for surgical transposition of the upper-arm cephalic vein. As an alternative, retrograde fistula flow was established percutaneously through a 6-F sheath in the forearm cephalic vein with the over-the-wire LeMaitre valvulotome. The retrograde flow in the forearm added 7 cm of superficial vein 6.2-9 mm in diameter with a flow rate of 940-2,868 mL/min, eliminating the need for surgical transposition. The percutaneous technique and required anatomy are described.