The FDA approved Nov. 22 a Medtronic device allowing patients with end-stage renal disease to receive longer periods of uninterrupted dialysis.
End-stage renal disease patients have to get AV fistulae, connections between an artery and a vein, to receive dialysis. But, over time, their blood vessels narrow and restrict blood flow and they must go through an average of one to three maintenance procedures per year.
Medtronic's device, IN.PACT AV, is designed to increase blood flow and reduce the thickening of the vessel wall by delivering the drug paclitaxel. It allows patients to use the same AV fistula for a longer amount of time without needing maintenance procedures, allowing patients to receive longer periods of uninterrupted dialysis.
A clinical trial showed patients using the device required 56 percent fewer maintenance procedures over six months.
Read the full news release here.