Circulation Implant Offers Needle-Free Dialysis

The concept is based on a transcutaneous titanium implant and is a fundamentally different approach to solving problems associated with vascular access. Hemaport and its associated dialysis set have received the CE Mark.

The main components of the system are a nitrided titanium housing device, surgically implanted at a suitable location--usually the non-dominant upper arm or a leg--and disposable lids and applicators. Blood is circulated to the housing through synthetic grafts, forming end-to-side anastomoses on the inflow artery and the recipient vein. With a sealing plate in position, blood is continuously flowing through the implant, from artery to vein. Prior to treatment, the sealing plate is exchanged with a dialysis lid. The Hemaport is then connected, via the blood tubing, to the dialysis machine. When the dialysis treatment is finished, the dialysis lid is exchanged for a new sealing plate.

Gambro (Stockholm, Sweden), a market leader in the vascular access area for dialysis, has recently announced its intention to acquire the assets and operations of Hemapure, a Swedish venture-capital funded company. No financial details were provided.

"The acquisition of this new technology shows Gambro's focus and commitment in the area of vascular access--to provide the best solution for each patient category. I am very excited about Gambro's growth opportunities in this area and I am convinced that the Hemaport technology will provide a much desired relief for a certain category of patients,” said Jon Risfelt, president of Gambro Renal Products.



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