Comparing Patency Rates of Different Hemodialysis Vascular Grafts
Description: A review of the typical functional patency rates for ePTFE and the expectations for newer, advanced grafts.
Patency rate, which measures how long a vascular access site remains functional, is the ultimate metric for success in Hemodialysis Vascular Grafts. When comparing grafts to the gold standard, the native arteriovenous fistula (AVF), grafts have consistently lower patency rates. For standard expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts, systematic reviews indicate that mean one-year secondary patency (patency maintained with interventions) is approximately 70%, which drops to around 54% at two years. The primary patency (patency without intervention) is much lower.
These statistics highlight the inherent fragility of synthetic grafts and the high frequency of re-interventions required for maintenance. The drive for innovation is largely focused on improving these numbers. For instance, heparin-bonded grafts and early-cannulation designs are clinically proven to offer modest improvements by reducing initial thrombosis and infection, thereby potentially extending primary patency.
The highest expectations are reserved for bio-engineered and biosynthetic grafts. Early clinical studies and development data suggest that these materials, by allowing the body's own cells to remodel the conduit, may achieve patency rates that more closely mirror a native fistula. While long-term, large-scale clinical evidence is still maturing, the promise of a more durable, complication-free graft is the primary force driving investment and clinical interest in this advanced segment of the Hemodialysis Vascular Grafts market.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the difference between primary and secondary patency in grafts? A: Primary patency is the time a graft remains functional without any intervention (surgical or endovascular), whereas secondary patency is the time a graft remains functional with the aid of one or more interventions to correct complications.
Q: Why do ePTFE grafts require frequent interventions to maintain patency? A: They require frequent interventions because they are highly susceptible to complications like stenosis and thrombosis, which necessitates angioplasty, thrombectomy, or surgical revision to restore and maintain blood flow.