Proximal vein thrombosis secondary to hemodialysis catheterization complicated by arteriovenous fistula.

Innominate vein thrombosis as a result of previous hemodialysis catheter placement occurred in a patient with a functioning radial-cephalic fistula, resulting in massive edema with bleb formation. Diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and the complication was successfully managed by subclavian vein-superior vena cava bypass. This experience suggests the need to consider the possibility of proximal vein occlusion in selecting arteriovenous fistula sites and, rather than abandoning the fistula, allowing it to serve to protect patency of a proximal bypass.