Central vein stenosis (CVS) leads to AVF outflow obstruction and venous hypertension in the affected limb which compromises the AVF patency and can result in an incapacitating upper limb edema. It is defined as a narrowing of 50% or more in the superior vena cava, brachiocephalic, or subclavian veins.

Owing to the high frequency of prior placement of an ipsilateral upper limb central venous dialysis catheter resulting in central vein injury and subsequent restorative process and stenosis, patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) are particularly at risk. The incidence of CVS in symptomatic ESRF patients is 16%–19% overall and 27% in those with a history of ipsilateral central venous catheter placement.

The treatment of CVS includes balloon angioplasty/stenting of the stenosed/occluded vein.