Invention:
This device consists of an expandable tubular graft that when unsheathed completely creates a branch anastomosis. The device is image guided, minimally invasive, does not require fine suturing, and requires a significantly lower level of procedural training.
Background:
Hemodialysis replicates kidney functions for those with renal failure, filtering waste out of blood. Blood is taken out, treated, and replaced. Dialysis may occur three times a week with three to four hour long sessions. The traditional methods to get access to the blood involve surgery in the arm or leg through which a vein is artificially connected to an existing artery. The heart pumps blood out through arteries and blood returns through veins. Dialysis involves a high flowrate through an artificial entry, and a fistula or graft allow the vein to better accommodate this change. However, that risks infection and fails 60% of the time. A simple percutaneously created anastomosis device is needed. Such a device would obviate the need for an open surgical procedure replacing it with a closed, sutureless, through-the-skin approach serving as the foundation for alternative forms of dialysis to be developed. Such a device would be disruptive to current methods and would significantly reduce the morbidity, mortality, expense and availability of chronic dialysis.
Advantages:
- The device allows for completely different procedural approaches to be considered freeing the way for new minimally invasive methods of providing hemodialysis
- Simplify existing patient care and exposure to major surgery, ideally to the extent that a skilled nurse or similar practitioner could place a small inexpensive device at bedside
- Is minimally invasive and does not require fine suturing
- Requires a significantly lower level of procedural training than open surgery
Applications:
- Creates vascular access for dialysis
- Opens the door to other potential applications arterial bypass, traumatic vascular injury, and/or venous access
Status: issued U.S. patent #11,931,239
