Vascular Access News

Researchers from Canada found placement of an arteriovenous fistula slowed decline in kidney function for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease who were not yet on hemodialysis.

For older patients who initiated hemodialysis without permanent access, those with arteriovenous fistula placement within the following year were catheter-dependent for more time cumulatively than those with AV graft.

Various changes in treatment practices were associated with reductions in mortality and a decreased likelihood of cardiovascular events for patients who received hemodialysis in Sweden during a 10-year period.

Though contending the care currently provided to patients is “poor,” a speaker at ASN Kidney Week said society is at a “uniquely positive sweet-spot” in which vascular access care, as well as kidney care as a whole, can be transformed.

Contending a Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative update acknowledges a lack of evidence on how to achieve optimal access for dialysis, a vascular surgeon recommended a more patient-centered approach accounting for race, sex and age.

According to a speaker at ASN Kidney Week, there is a “glaring hole” in data related to successful dialysis access creation, presenting challenges to nephrologists as they attempt to improve care and increase patient satisfaction.

Medtronic plc. announced plans to acquire Avenu Medical, a California-based company which focuses on developing devices aimed at improving vascular access procedures for patients on dialysis, according to a press release.

A study that compared international vascular access practice patterns showed several regional differences regarding arteriovenous fistula patency and time to becoming catheter-free for patients on hemodialysis.

While researchers of this study found “limited complications” associated with urgent-start peritoneal dialysis, they identified several factors that may increase the risk for a variety of catheter-related complications, including leakage and peritonitis.

Compared with a standard balloon, treatment with a drug-coated balloon led to improved outcomes for patients on hemodialysis who had a dysfunctional arteriovenous fistula.