Dr Tang and Dr Wong implanted the first VasQ device [Laminate Medical Technologies] in private practice in Singapore on the 30 October 2023. This device which has been commercially available in the US and Europe is used to aid arteriovenous fistula (avf) maturation and minimise reinterventions. This is an external support device and is implanted at the time of AVF creation and is placed over the anastomosis or near the join between the artery and the outflow vein.
Thousands have been clinically implanted in Europe and VasQ AVF usability ranges from 87-100% compared to 40-72% standard avf usability. This device will likely help our avf maturation rates in Singapore as our Asian patient veins and arteries are generally 10-20% smaller than our Caucasian counterparts. The current state of vascular access in Singapore reported only 55-78% conventional avfs were functional at 3 months.
The current data shows:
- Use of VasQ demonstrates excellent avf maturation and patency rates with low frequency of assisted maturation and interventions for maintenance
- Higher functional success rates for VasQ AVFs compared to standard avfs
- US cost analysis demonstrated the reduction in intervention during the first 6 months led to approx 11,000 usd cost reduction per patient year!
Happy to report that the avf created is thrilling beautifully at one week and patient is delighted with her progress!
The external support device VAsQ used for a left brachiocephalic fistula creation
Dr Tang, Dr Wong and their anaesthetist Kevin Chan during the procedure. Case was successfully done under a nerve block with the patient awake and very comfortable.
