Circulation Implant Offers Needle-Free Dialysis

A medical device has been developed that allows simple and painless access to blood circulation in patients undergoing regular hemodialysis.

The Hemaport, developed by Hemapure AB (Uppsala, Sweden), is a needle-free system developed as an option for patients undergoing dialysis when arteriovenus (AV) fistulas are failing for anatomic reasons or as an alternative to central dialysis catheters. The concept is based on a transcutaneous titanium implant and is a fundamentally different approach to solving problems associated with vascular access. Hemaport and its associated dialysis set have received the CE Mark.

The main components of the system are a nitrided titanium housing device, surgically implanted at a suitable location--usually the non-dominant upper arm or a leg--and disposable lids and applicators. Blood is circulated to the housing through synthetic grafts, forming end-to-side anastomoses on the inflow artery and the recipient vein. With a sealing plate in position, blood is continuously flowing through the implant, from artery to vein. Prior to treatment, the sealing plate is exchanged with a dialysis lid. The Hemaport is then connected, via the blood tubing, to the dialysis machine. When the dialysis treatment is finished, the dialysis lid is exchanged for a new sealing plate.

Gambro (Stockholm, Sweden), a market leader in the vascular access area for dialysis, has recently announced its intention to acquire the assets and operations of Hemapure, a Swedish venture-capital funded company. No financial details were provided.

"The acquisition of this new technology shows Gambro's focus and commitment in the area of vascular access--to provide the best solution for each patient category. I am very excited about Gambro's growth opportunities in this area and I am convinced that the Hemaport technology will provide a much desired relief for a certain category of patients,” said Jon Risfelt, president of Gambro Renal Products.



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