Methods: Between January 2007 and March 2011, a total of 15 patients (6 males, 9 females; mean age 40 years; range 28 to 78 years) who were diagnosed with superior and inferior vena cava occlusion and underwent alternative vascular access methods were included. None of the patients underwent hemodialysis and were eligible for peritoneal dialysis. A permanent parasternal right atrial dialysis catheter was inserted in eight patients and a permanent translumbar vena cava dialysis catheter was inserted in five patients. A 6 mm polytetrafluoroethylene dialysis graft was placed between the right axillary artery and right atrium in two patients.

Results: None of the patients had postoperative mortality or morbidity. As of the second postoperative hour, the patients were taken to hemodialysis. Catheter occlusion was detected in four patients, while no complication was observed in the other patients during two-year follow-up period.

Conclusion: Unusual vascular access methods can be used as a last life-saving resort in chronic renal failure patients in whom conventional methods fail.