Jugular-axillary vein bypass for salvage of arteriovenous access.

Stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian vein can cause incapacitating upper extremity swelling and venous hypertension in the patient with an arteriovenous (AV) access. A case of subclavian vein occlusion is reported that was treated with internal jugular-axillary vein bypass. This procedure resulted in salvage of the access and rapid resolution of the associated upper extremity swelling. It was concluded that jugular-axillary vein bypass should be considered in patients who have massive upper extremity edema resulting from a functioning AV access and ipsilateral subclavian vein occlusion. Patients undergoing creation of an AV access who have had previous temporary subclavian catheters or previous early failure of an AV access should have phlebography before surgery.