Unmet Need
More than 700,000 patients in the United States are on hemodialysis. Grafts (shunts) are the most common way to perform life-sustaining hemodialysis. Over time, shunts start to clot, and require additional procedures in order to restore function. As areas of shunt degradation or malfunction are often multifocal, two shunt access points oriented in opposite directions are usually required to properly treat malfunctions. However, this orientation creates many logistical challenges for the surgeon, such as increasing procedural time, radiation exposure, sedation time, risk of wire contamination, and costs. Thus, there is a need for a way to access and treat shunt degradation with decreased risks and costs.
Technology Overview
The inventors have created a device that can help decrease costs and risks in hemodialysis shunt placement procedures. The invention is a curved member that allows directional deflection of any flexible endovascular device. The member is not a sheath, but rather a conduit through which flexible endovascular devices can be redirection up to 180 degrees. The inventors envision this device as being used at one access site when two shunt access sites are oriented in opposite directions. The device guide will allow the interventionalist performing the procedure to work with their dominant hand, and the curved member will allow both sheaths to be introduced from the same direction. Advantages of such an invention include: improved organization of a site, decreased risk of contamination, decreased number of procedures required, reduced radiation administered, and reduced sedation time for patient.
Stage of Development
The technology is currently in the prototyping and testing phase.
