Laminate is dedicated to improving the vascular access for hemodialysis patients. Below is general information about hemodialysis and how VasQ can help your AVF function better
About Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a medical treatment that filters toxins from your blood when your kidneys fail.
The treatment requires a physician to create a vascular access point for blood to be removed, filtered and returned safely and efficiently.
There are a few types of vascular access, but physicians universally prefer a direct connection between a vein and an artery called an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) because of its demonstrated safety and durability. †
For more general information on specific topics related to hemodialysis, visit our Access Forum.
About Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVF)
An AVF can be created in multiple locations within your arm, preferably starting with the forearm to save the upper arm for future use. Your vein will need weeks to months for vessel walls to thicken and blood flow to increase before it is considered mature enough to support dialysis.
Why AVFs Fail to Mature
AVFs tend to have a high rate of early failure that may require multiple additional procedures to make them usable. Some may even need to be abandoned for a new vascular access. Early failure tends to occur because the vein does not have the structure to support the change in blood flow and higher pressure from the artery.
VasQ Supports AVF Usability
The VasQ External Support provides structural support to reinforce the vein against the changes in blood flow and pressure. Clinical evidence has shown the device reduces the risk of early failure and improves the potential that your AVF becomes usable for dialysis‡. This means you have a better chance of receiving dialysis through your AVF without the need for additional procedures.
VasQ Procedure
VasQ is placed at the time of the AVF creation procedure with no impact to your hospital stay or recovery.
Follow up
Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment within the next month to assess your AVF and eventually determine when it is ready to be used for dialysis.
Once ready, your nephrologist will make the plan of when to begin dialysis through the AVF.
*For more information about kidney disease and dialysis, please visit: www.kidney.org
