Early use conversion of the HeRO dialysis graft

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Nephrology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The HeRO device offers an upper extremity graft option for dialysis patients facing access challenges.
• A significant drawback of the HeRO device is the requirement for a concurrent dialysis catheter during graft maturation, leading to increased bacteremia risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a modified HeRO insertion technique that integrates early-use graft functionality.
• To eliminate the need for a concomitant dialysis catheter in patients receiving the HeRO device.

Main Methods:

• Modification of the standard HeRO device insertion technique.
• Combination of HeRO device attributes with early-use graft principles.
• Evaluation of the modified technique in a cohort of five patients.

Main Results:

• The modified technique resulted in a functional graft within 72 hours for all five patients.
• The need for a concomitant dialysis catheter was obviated.
• Infection-free access was achieved throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• The modified HeRO insertion technique provides a functional early-use graft.
• This technique successfully eliminates the requirement for a concurrent dialysis catheter, thereby reducing infection risk.
• The approach offers a safer and more efficient dialysis access solution for challenging cases.