How FIRAPY Improves Vascular Access for Hemodialysis
Vascular Access is a lifeline of ESRD patient
Vascular access is the lifeline for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, enabling life-sustaining hemodialysis treatment. Ensuring the health and functionality of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG) is critical for effective dialysis, patient survival, and quality of life.
The Lifeline Fistula Won’t Last Forever—Here’s Why...
Arterialization of Vein
Normal venous blood flow is approximately 30 mL/min, but after fistula surgery, the connection to the artery dramatically increases blood flow to 600 mL/min or even over 1000 mL/min. This sudden surge places significant stress on the vein, forcing it to undergo arterialization to adapt to the high-pressure arterial flow. However, venous arterialization is not a natural physiological process, and this abnormal adaptation triggers hyperplasia, leading to thickening of the vessel walls and increasing the risk of stenosis.
Turbulent Flow
Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis are prone to stenosis due to venous neointimal hyperplasia, driven by turbulent blood flow at the anastomosis. This turbulence creates abnormal shear stress, triggering endothelial injury, inflammation, and excessive vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, leading to vessel wall thickening and lumen narrowing, ultimately compromising long-term fistula function.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty can cause vascular injury, leading to complications such as restenosis, thrombosis, and endothelial damage. The procedure induces mechanical stress on the vessel walls, triggering inflammation, neointimal hyperplasia, and arterial remodeling, which may result in recurrent narrowing and reduced long-term patency.
Repeating Cannulation
Repeated cannulation at the same site, known as "one-site-itis", can lead to significant vascular complications. This practice often results in chronic inflammation, endothelial injury, and neointimal hyperplasia, causing vessel wall thickening and stenosis. Additionally, such repetitive trauma can weaken the vessel wall, increasing the risk of aneurysm formation.
Luckly, we have FIRAPY.....
Increase the success rate of fistula maturation
The one-month period after fistula procedure is the critical period for fistula maturation. FIRAPY (WS™ Far-infrared Therapy Unit) shortens maturation time, increases the fistula maturation success rate, improves fistula blood flow, and reduces the risk of fistula-related complications and the proportion of fistula failure.
Prolongs the life-span of the fistula
Human clinical trials have proven that long-term use of FIRAPY (WS™ Far-infrared Therapy Unit) extends the life-span of the fistula, decrease venous pressure, improves fistula blood flow, promotes circulation, prevents thrombosis formation, and reduces the number of surgeries required.
Improve Inadequate Blood Flow During Dialysis
FIRAPY (WS™ Far-infrared Therapy Unit) helps improve insufficient blood flow during hemodialysis by:
- Enhancing vasodilation and improving microcirculation
- Improving endothelial function and decreasing vascular resistance
- Alleviating localized inflammation and preventing complications that hinder blood flow
This makes FIRAPY a valuable adjunct in maintaining efficient and effective dialysis.
Reduces Cannulation Pain
Applying FIRAPY to the access area helps relieve pain during needle insertion by improving local circulation and relaxing surrounding tissues. It reduces sensitivity in the puncture zone, alleviates anxiety associated with repeated cannulation, and improves the overall experience for hemodialysis patients. The therapy is non-invasive, easy to use, and supports better tolerance to regular treatments.
Extends Time Between PTA Procedures
FIRAPY helps stabilize vascular access by improving endothelial health and reducing neointimal hyperplasia, one of the leading causes of access stenosis. By maintaining better blood flow and lowering the risk of restenosis, FIRAPY has been shown to prolong the interval between PTA procedures, reducing the need for frequent interventions and improving overall vascular access longevity for dialysis patients.
Clinical Experience from HD Staff
FIRAPY’s Non-Thermal Mechanisms in Vascular Applications
Reference:
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