Vascular Access News

A meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in primary study outcomes using Ellipsys or WavelinQ to create arteriovenous fistulas in patients requiring access for dialysis.

Skin markings identifying the direction and angle of buttonhole cannulations can make the procedure less painful and anxiety-inducing for patients, according to data published in Kidney Medicine.

The FDA granted breakthrough device designation to First Assist Devices LLC for its First Assist Model FA-1 device, according to a press release.

Patients with a higher degree of frailty are more likely to experience a longer wait time for fistula and graft functional use after dialysis initiation, according to data published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

The Dialysis Vascular Access Coalition and other national advocacy groups are racing against the clock to reverse proposed payment cuts – set to take effect Jan. 1 – on vascular access procedures done by interventionalists and surgeons.

Fresenius Medical Care AG has invested an additional $25 million in clinical-stage biotechnology platform company Humacyte Inc., following an initial investment of $150 million made in 2018.

The type of arteriovenous access placement, graft or fistula, used first in older patients receiving hemodialysis did not impact their risk for death, sepsis or hospitalization.

Results of a questionnaire administered to patients with advanced chronic kidney disease revealed intentions to pursue vascular access were heavily informed by patient perception of the benefits early access creation might provide.

Researchers who compared arteriovenous grafts with arteriovenous fistulas in patients aged 65 years or older with end-stage kidney disease found scant evidence favoring one treatment over the other.

Similar to how emergency departments have teams ready to treat patients after cardiac arrest or stroke, a speaker argued it is equally necessary to have interventional teams for patients who develop rapid kidney failure.