Goal: We present the development of a bone-anchored port for the painless long-term hemodialytic treatment of patients with renal failure. This port is implanted behind the ear.
Methods: The port was developed based on knowledge obtained from long-term experience with implantable hearing devices, which are firmly anchored to the bone behind the ear. This concept of bone anchoring was adapted to the requirements for a vascular access during hemodialysis. The investigational device is comprised of a base plate that is firmly fixed with bone screws to the bone behind the ear (temporal bone). A catheter leads from the base plate valve block through the internal jugular vein and into the right atrium. The valves are opened using a special disposable adapter, without any need to puncture the blood vessels. Between hemodialysis sessions, the port is protected with a disposable cover.
Results: Flow rate, leak tightness, and purification were tested on mockups. Preoperative planning and the surgical procedure were verified in 15 anatomical human whole head specimens.
Conclusion: Preclinical evaluations demonstrated the technical feasibility and safety of the investigational device.
Significance: Approximately 1.5 million people are treated with hemodialysis worldwide, and 25% of the overall cost of dialysis therapy results from vascular access problems. New approaches toward enhancing vascular access could potentially reduce the costs and complications of hemodialytic therapy.