Self-sealing residual compressive stress graft for dialysis

Abstract

Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. Some embodiments relate to vascular access grafts (250) comprising an instant access or self-sealing material (254) reinforced with expanded PTFE (252) to resist stretching of the instant access material (254) and thereby resist leakage associated with stretching or bending. The graft may comprise two end segments (260, 262) comprising ePTFE (252) without the instant access material (254) to allow easier anastomosis of the graft (250) to veins and arteries. The graft (250) may have a unibody design or have modular components that may be joined together to create a graft with customized length or other features. One or more sections of the graft (296) may also be cut or trimmed to a custom length.

Description

Background of the invention [0001] In the United States, approximately 400,000 people have end-stage renal disease and require long-term hemodialysis. By creating an arteriovenous (AV) anastomosis connecting a vein to an artery to create a high flow shunt or fistula, a permanent vascular puncture site for performing hemodialysis can be created. The vein can connect directly to the artery, but it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the venous portion of the fistula to mature enough to provide sufficient blood flow for hemodialysis. Moreover, due to anatomical factors, not all patients are suitable for direct anastomosis. Other patients may require the use of artificial graft material to provide a puncture site between the arterial and venous systems. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is the preferred material, although many of the materials used to make artificial blood vessels for arterial replacement have also been attempted for dialysis punctures. Reasons for this include ePTFE...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These access failures disrupt the progress of routine hemodialysis and generate more than $2 billion in hospital costs annually

Images