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Centers for Dialysis Care to use Vasc-Alert in all its clinics
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Ohio-based dialysis provider Centers for Dialysis Care (CDC) has entered into a contract to use the Vasc-Alert pressure surveillance service in all 16 of its dialysis centers.
Vasc-Alert uses data from the patient's treatment record to calculate the pressure inside the access for every treatment. When the pressure exceeds a threshold for three consecutive treatments, a patient’s vascular access is deemed to be at-risk for thrombosis. Graphic reports indicating which patients are at-risk are then generated weekly and sent to dialysis facility staff. These reports can prompt further investigation as to whether a referral for an intervention is justified.
Dr. Peter DeOreo, chief medical officer, said CDC first installed Vasc-Alert in four facilities to test its effectiveness.
“I am impressed by the consistency of the data with both good sensitivity and specificity," said DeOreo." Our staff members like that every non-catheter treatment is tested, giving signals not just about impending thrombosis, but opportunities to improve cannulation, and quality control about deviations of pump speed from the prescribed blood flow. An important strength of the application is a treatment-by-treatment analysis and ‘automatic’ post-intervention follow up. Staff do not need to interrupt the dialysis treatment to record flow testing results. The reports are sent on schedule in a highly readable and actionable format.” -by Rebecca Zumoff