The VasQ device offers a revolutionary solution in AV fistula care. What vascular surgeons need to know about VasQ.

After a patient has been diagnosed as suffering from acute or chronic kidney failure, and dialysis has been recommended, the nephrologist will determine if the arteriovenous (AV) fistula is the ideal form of vascular access based on patient’s general health condition and the condition of the veins.

AV fistula utilizes the patient’s own blood vessels and is considered to be the safest type of access. While the AVF is less prone to infection than other access methods, the AV fistula requires basic care, in order to allow for optimal health and optimal usage. Proper AV fistula care, through exercising, proper hygiene and […]

When the kidneys stop functioning, toxins and fluid start building up in the blood stream. Hemodialysis (also known as dialysis) replaces kidney function by filtering the blood and removing the toxins. Dialysis requires access to the blood stream. Access is formed by a surgical procedure. The 3 most common types of access are internal arteriovenous […]

Arteriovenous fistulas are considered to be the most reliable long term form of vascular access in patients undergoing dialysis. AV fistulas are less susceptible to failure due to infection or thrombosis and patient survival rates are higher when an AV fistula is used.

While AV fistulas are considered to be the safest and longest lasting of access types, and are generally agreed about by experts in the field to be the preferred type of vascular access, as with all medical procedures there are risks to the AV fistula procedure that must be taken into consideration.

Once kidney function goes below 10-15% of normal function, the blood fills with toxins and fluids, endangering the life of the patient. In order to sustain life, dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant become crucial. The dialysis treatment replaces the kidney’s function by cleaning the blood from toxins and draining excess fluids from the body.

Hemodialysis: Facts and Data Over 1.5 million people worldwide are treated with hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is marked by persistently high mortality, morbidity, and healthcare use. Effective hemodialysis requires repeated and reliable access to the bloodstream through a central venous catheter (required when the AV fistula or graft fails to sufficiently mature for dialysis or becomes occluded […]

Benefits of the AVF procedure for hemodialysis Vascular access dysfunction is a major contributor to the hospitalization of hemodialysis patients and their overall morbidity and mortality.

AV fistulas must be assessed and monitored 4-6 weeks after procedure is performed and on a routine basis before each dialysis treatment. Assessment and monitoring allows for early intervention in the case of AV fistulas failing to mature, early medical intervention in the case of health issues and allows for use of the AV fistula […]