I heard there is a new PD access being developed that is under the skin. It's called the Vasca LifeSite. Right now it is being used for hemodialysis but I heard it will soon be used for PD also. This sounds great. Do you have any details on it ?
Yes, you heard right. I believe they are waiting for FDA approval for the PD access device. It is completely under the skin and therefore no catheter exits the body. Sounds pretty good to me. Patients will access the device with a type of needle everytime they do an exchange. It sounds difficult but patients that have the device say there is no discomfort after the first few weeks. Can we imagine peritoneal dialysis without catheter exit site infections? I can't wait. We will keep you posted on updates.
quote:
Originally posted by Artie: I heard there is a new PD access being developed that is under the skin. It's called the Vasca LifeSite. Right now it is being used for hemodialysis but I heard it will soon be used for PD also. This sounds great. Do you have any details on it ?
Posts: 8 | Location: Granger, IN, USA | Registered: 04 December 2000
I went to the Vasca home page and could not find any information about a new PD access. They did have information about a new access for hemodialyisis that they have gotten FDA pproval for. I am getting ready to have my catheter for PD put in but if this new access will be ready soon, I would rather wait for it. Do you have any further info about the access?
Sorry to say it is still waiting for FDA approval. There has been no reported release date. I am afraid you will have to go with the conventional catheter.
Can anyone from Vasca give us an update?
Posts: 8 | Location: Granger, IN, USA | Registered: 04 December 2000
I contacted Vasca directly to find out about this access. I am having a PD catheter put in next Thursday and if this access was being used I definitely wanted it. Vasca rep said that the access is used for hemodialysis. She had not heard of it being used for PD. I also asked my surgeon and he said that nobody in our area uses the LifeSite because it is too expensive and most inssurances do not pay for it. He also had not heard about it being used for PD.
<JoAnn>
Posted
Our center has some patients with the Vasca LifeSite. The Vasca rep has indeed told us they will have the Lifesite for PD. The when is unknown.
