Radiofrequency guidewire-facilitated recanalization of chronic thoracic central venous occlusions in hemodialysis patients.

Radiofrequency wire-enabled recanalization of CVO in symptomatic dialysis patients has a high rate of technical success with resolution of arm and facial swelling and resumed use of the ipsilateral dialysis access. Although a superior safety profile was seen than with needle-based techniques such as sharp recanalization, major complications were not infrequent indicating that this RF-wire procedure should be performed in centers equipped to manage central venous perforations.