Analysis of pressure losses in the hemodialysis graft vascular circuit using finite element analysis

Vascular access complications (stenosis and thrombosis) present the greatest morbidity associated with chronic hemodialysis. Understanding the hemodynamics of the vascular access circuit is essential identify problems. We developed a finite element model based on a previously-reported experimental vascular circuit model, and compared pressure losses at segments within the circuit determined by the finite element model with experimental results and with an analytical model based on the circuit. In most cases the finite element model better predicted the pressure losses than did the analytical model. The finite element model also revealed the complex flow patterns that can occur in hemodialysis vascular access circuits that may explain some of the variance with the analytical model.