Laminate Medical has announced the first implantation of their VasQ device in the USA, performed by Ari Kramer (Spartanburg Regional Hospital, Spartanburg, USA). The VasQ technology was granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in September 2023, and is reported to be the only approved product on the market currently, designed to assist surgical fistula success from the point of creation.
A recent press release states that Kramer expressed his enthusiasm for the transformative impact of VasQ on patient care: “I am excited to revolutionise the standard of care for our fistula patients with VasQ. I firmly believe that this device offers my patients the optimal prospects for a sustained, well-functioning fistula with reduced complications and the need for additional procedures.”
VasQ is a nitinol-based external support device for the artery and vein anastomosis during the surgical creation of an arteriovenous fistula to promote maturation into a functional access for haemodialysis. The device was designed to provide structural reinforcement of the mobilised vessels and guides a more stable arterial flow profile as it transitions into the vein.
The importance of this innovation has been underscored by the surge in use of central venous catheters (CVC) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the press release details, leading to heightened risk of infection and mortality. Creating more functional fistulas, it is hoped that VasQ may help to reduce CVC use in this patient population.
In a statement, Laminate CEO, Tammy Gilon, hailed the successful completion of the inaugural VasQ case in the USA as a monumental achievement for Laminate Medical Technologies. Gilon remarked: “This accomplishment represents the culmination of 12 years of dedicated effort, and we are elated to introduce VasQ to the population of the USA.”
