A KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page Friend, sent a Direct Message and asked, "Can you tell me how Dialysis patients are doing with the HeRO Graft please, as well as provide some information on it? Thank you." For many Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients, this may be the first time they are hearing of the HeRO (Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow) Graft. That is understandable since the device is rather new and it was just approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to its website, the HeRO Graft "is a fully subcutaneous (situated or applied under the skin) solution used to salvage a failing AV Fistula or AV graft..."
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As most Chronic Kidney Disease patients who conduct Dialysis already know, the main causes of AV Fistula and Graft failure are Vascular Stenotic Lesions (abnormal narrowing in blood vessels) in a patient's Dialysis Access. These lesions cause changes in the fistula including increased pressure, and decreased flow leading to inadequate dialysis and eventually the formation of a blood clot inside the AV Fistula or Graft which obstructs the flow of blood and causes the Access to fail (Thrombosis).
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The HeRO Graft appears to live up to its name (HeRO), since it has now been proven to salvage a failing AV Fistula or AV Graft which allows Chronic Kidney Disease patients who conduct Hemodialysis to avoid having to conduct painful, uncertain surgery in order to attempt to construct a new access. Also, by saving a failing AV Fistula, Dialysis patients are able to bypass the "bridge catheter" (Central Venous Catheter) which is normally used while a new AV Fistula is maturing, but is associated with high rates of mortality (death) in Chronic Kidney Disease patients.
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What's more, the HeRO Graft appears to be special because unlike a typical Stent, HeRO Graft’s Venous Outflow Component can be removed & replaced if necessary. Studies have found that after a HeRO Graft is used, arm swelling in Dialysis patients is resolved, pain is reduced and their AV Fistulas could be used immediately after being connected to their HeRO Graft. This is new.
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As a rule of thumb, you should consider discussing the idea of using a HeRO Graft with your Nephrologists if you agree with any of the following statements:
- Your Nephrologists have told you directly that your AV Fistula or AV Graft is failing.
- You are consistently experiencing a Kt/V of less than 1.4.
- The calculated flow rate dropped by more than 20%.
- You're experiencing swollen arms and/or distended (bulging) veins.
For more information on the HeRO Graft including the results of several specific studies, complete the below Request Form. What's more, let us know what you think of this new advent. Would you consider using this new HeRO Graft? You are a valued member of the Chronic Kidney Disease Community and your voice and personal perspective is important. Share your response with the other over 16,600 KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page Friends. For the most up-to-date News and Information, visit KidneyBuzz.com every day. And do not forget to Like us on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter so that you do not miss a thing!
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