Central Venous Recanalization: Techniques & Challenges

The physicians review the critical role of pre-procedural planning, emphasizing the necessity of thorough workup with CT venography to accurately assess remaining vascular capital. Dr. Zamboni shares how his group addresses severe central venous occlusions, outlining a structured, stepwise approach that begins with standard maneuvers and progresses to sharp recanalization techniques before opting for dual-access approaches. He outlines critical safety measures, highlighting the importance of performing intraprocedural cardiac ultrasound, pre-dilating with caution, and keeping covered stents on the shelf to prevent fatal cardiac tamponade. For patients who lack viable conventional iliofemoral and IVC access, Dr. Zamboni shares an advanced jugular-to-transhepatic strategy, walking through the steps and nuances of creating a reliable working route, optimizing inflow, and managing post-procedure anticoagulation. Finally, Dr. Zamboni offers invaluable advice for IRs on mastering foundational techniques before tackling advanced cases and building strong, collaborative relationships with referring providers.