Abstract: A cannulation simulation device and methods for using the device are described. The device is designed to teach dialysis technicians/nurses or patients to cannulate arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for hemodialysis. The simulator includes one or more artificial fistulas. The simulator includes a pad of simulated flesh that can cover the artificial fistula(s). The pad can be reversed, rotated, and replaced with thicker or thinner pads. A personal simulation device for teaching self-cannulation can include a sleeve for a limb that can carry an artificial fistula. A clinical simulation device can include a plurality of artificial fistulas held in a support. Optionally, the artificial fistulas can vibrate to simulate an actual fistula.

Abstract: A cannulation simulation device and methods for using the device are described. The device is designed to teach dialysis technicians/nurses or patients to cannulate arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for hemodialysis. The simulator includes one or more artificial fistulas. The simulator includes a pad of simulated flesh that can cover the artificial fistula(s). The pad can be reversed, rotated, and replaced with thicker or thinner pads. A personal simulation device for teaching self-cannulation can include a sleeve for a limb that can carry an artificial fistula. A clinical simulation device can include a plurality of artificial fistulas held in a support. Optionally, the artificial fistulas can vibrate to simulate an actual fistula.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft systems includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: A cannulation simulation device and methods for using the device are described. The device is designed to teach dialysis technicians/nurses or patients to cannulate arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for hemodialysis. The simulator includes one or more artificial fistulas. The simulator includes a pad of simulated flesh that can cover the artificial fistula(s). The pad can be reversed, rotated, and replaced with thicker or thinner pads. A personal simulation device for teaching self-cannulation can include a sleeve for a limb that can carry an artificial fistula. A clinical simulation device can include a plurality of artificial fistulas held in a support. Optionally, the artificial fistulas can vibrate to simulate an actual fistula.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft systems includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft systems includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft systems includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: A cannulation simulation device and methods for using the device are described. The device is designed to teach dialysis technicians/nurses or patients to cannulate arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for hemodialysis. The simulator includes one or more artificial fistulas. The simulator includes a pad of simulated flesh that can cover the artificial fistula(s). The pad can be reversed, rotated, and replaced with thicker or thinner pads. A personal simulation device for teaching self-cannulation can include a sleeve for a limb that can carry an artificial fistula. A clinical simulation device can include a plurality of artificial fistulas held in a support. Optionally, the artificial fistulas can vibrate to simulate an actual fistula.

Abstract: An arteriovenous access valve system may generally include a first valve tube extending lengthwise between an arterial end and a first joint end, with the first valve tube including a first valve device. The system may also include a separate second valve tube extending lengthwise between a venous end and a second joint end, with the second valve tube including a second valve device. In addition, the system may include at least one tube connector coupled between the first and second valve tubes.

Abstract: Negative pressure wound therapy systems are described that can prevent the retainment of wound fill material in a wound cavity during dressing changes. The negative pressure wound therapy system includes a removal device that can be used to lift the wound fill material out of a wound cavity and prevent fracture of the wound fill material and retainment of fragments of the material in the wound. The removal device can include fibers (e.g., a fibrous net) that can be retained between the wall of the wound cavity and the wound fill material, with the wall of the wound and the wound fill material retaining direct contact with one another to encourage healing of the wound according to the therapy treatment process.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end, at least one of the arterial end and venous end including a support frame. The system further includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft and an actuator in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device, the actuator being configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end with a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft. The system also includes an actuator having an accumulator. The actuator is in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device and is configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously. The accumulator assists in maintaining a generally constant pressure when the actuator causes each valve device to close.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end with a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft. The system also includes an actuator having an accumulator. The actuator is in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device and is configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously. The accumulator assists in maintaining a generally constant pressure when the actuator causes each valve device to close.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a device for locating a fistula. The device can include a first tine and a second tine each having a distal end and a proximal end with the first tine spaced a distance from the second tine sufficient for allowing a section of a fistula to fit therebetween. A compression member can be placed adjacent to the first tine and the second tine such that the compression member externally compresses and temporarily occludes a fistula thereby increasing blood pressure in a section of a fistula located between the first tine and the second tine.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. By minimizing or preventing arterial steal, other complications associated with arteriovenous grafts are also avoided. For instance, the present invention is also well suited to preventing arteriovenous graft thrombosis, eliminating dialysis needle hole bleeding, and eliminating or minimizing arteriovenous graft pseudoaneurism formation.

Abstract: In general, the present application is directed to devices and methods to facilitate cannulation and prevent needle puncture bleeding of an arteriovenous fistula. For instance, in one embodiment, a device for locating an arteriovenous fistula and occluding an arteriovenous fistula needle puncture site is provided. The device includes a body formed from a self-sealing biocompatible material, the body having a semi-curved shape with two edges that extend along the length of the body. The body is configured to conform to the contour of a portion of an arteriovenous fistula with the edges configured to be generally parallel to the length of an arteriovenous fistula. The edges provide a tactile clue when focal pressure is applied to the skin above an arteriovenous fistula. The body provides a barrier to limit bleeding from a posterior portion of an arteriovenous fistula.