has anyone heard anything about an experimental treatment called "lifesaver". someone in the clinic my mother visits has a new device in his chest in which the dialysis machine is hooked up to.

I have only heard about a new device called "Life site", don't know if that is it or not. If so you can look up info. on the Vasca site. Lin.

HI:

I�ve not heard of it either, but would be interested in hearing more in anyone is able to dig up some info.


Best,
Mike

I do believe she is referring to the new life site access. Which is like a catheter except it is placed underneath the skin. The needles are inserted with a twist and then are locked in place with 2 ball bearings in the device.

The advantages are suppose to be:

1. Less infections than catheters because of under the skin placement.
2. Higher blood flow rates
3. Can be used immediately after installation.
4. By accessing the same hole every time needle insertion becomes pain free such as having pierced ears.
5. No dislodgement of needles as they are locked in place by the device.

I am not medically proficient and this is just a rough explanation in layman terms. The vasca website discribes it better.

They are currently using these with 2 patients at a center near us. So far the staff and patients both like them a lot better.

However the time of them being used is limited so the jury is still out on what can go wrong etc.

I have one patient in my unit with one for approximately three to four months. We've had wonderful success with it. If I can be of any help, let me know. I'll be glad to share what little knowledge I have.

When I went in to have my fistula rooted out, I asked about the Vasca Life Site. My surgeoun told me that there are no doctors in our area (Dallas) that are using them because they are cost prohibitive. Since they are fairly new, they are not covered by some insurances.

We had our first patient with a Life-site last week. The HIGHEST blood flow that we are able to get out of it is 300 ml/min...if we're lucky!!! The Vasca reps say that they are very perplexed about it because it is the only one that they have seen where blood flow is a problem. Personaly I don't believe it because I have heard the same line from pretty much every company I have ever dealt with when something does not live up to their claims!

This site is great! I have never found a source so full of information and with people willing to share it. I logged onto the Vasa site and downloaded all the information for my Mom who is on dialysis now. Since she has a background in nursing she was able to sift through the information and I'm certain she knows as much if not more than the clinic personal. Thank you again.

Just wonder if the poor blood flow could be with the way it was put in and not the device itself?

It's my understanding that the Life Site access is only used on patients who can not have another type of access. My surgeon told me doctors prefer a fistula or graft. If neither is viable then a catheter is placed. If none of the above work then a Life Site is the only alternative.

Depends on the area you live in. In our area
if a patients graft or fiscula fail and they want to have the life site it is done. There are only a couple of patients in our area who have these at present but both the staff and patient are "very" satisfied with them. However both the staff and patients know this is new and long term results haven't been established yet.