Pulmonary embolism in an ESRD patient following minimal venotomy and milking for salvage of dysfunctional autogenous arteriovenous fistula

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism can be a complication following an attempted salvage of a dysfuctional arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We report a case of bilateral pulmonary embolism in a patient with underlying pericardial effusion who, following minimal venotomy and milking of the AVF, developed sudden and significant respiratory distress, and later improved.

Keywords: arteriovenous fistula; end‐stage renal disease; hemodialysis; pulmonary embolism.