Given the challenges that our dialysis patients face, how can we as providers stay sharp with the latest access techniques to help ensure the best possible outcomes? Dr. Omar Davis (interventional nephrologist) and Dr. Ari Kramer (general surgeon) join host Dr. Chris Beck to discuss advanced approaches to AV access and share their experiences with the FLEX Vessel Prep device.

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This podcast is supported by:

VentureMed FLEX Vessel Prep

https://www.venturemedgroup.com/

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SYNPOSIS

The doctors begin by describing how they create dialysis access and what they account for during the procedure. They then focus on the role of the FLEX VP system, its benefits, and how they use it in practice, touching on the latest clinical data. Dr. Kramer and Dr. Davis also stress the importance of mental health in dialysis care and share ways that we can better support our patients through difficult diagnoses and treatments. In fact, one of their patients, Fred Hill, authored the book “Dialysis Is Not Your Life,” which offers a unique perspective for patients feeling overburdened by dialysis, and the healthcare providers who treat them. The episode concludes with case presentations and practical guidance on when to use the FLEX Vessel Prep system.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

07:00 - AV Access and Procedures

10:58 - Case Walkthrough

14:19 - Balloon Angioplasty and IVUS

24:43 - Flex VP Device and Vessel Prep

35:03 - Algorithm and Reimbursement Challenges

39:51 - Device Usage and Techniques

46:58 - Clinical Data and Outcomes

01:01:59 - Case Studies

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RESOURCES

Fred Hill, “Dialysis Is Not Your Life” Founder and Author:

https://www.dialysisisnotyourlife.com/meet-founder.php

“Dialysis Is Not Your Life” Book:

https://www.amazon.com/DIALYSIS-NOT-YOUR-LIFE-Redefine/dp/B09L4XGGNX

Novel Device Prior to Balloon Angioplasty for Dysfunctional Arteriovenous Access: Analysis of a Real-World Registry by Race and Sex Cohorts:

https://www.openaccessjournals.com/articles/novel-device-prior-to-balloon-angioplasty-for-dysfunctional-arteriovenousaccess-analysis-of-a-realworld-registry-by-race-and-sex-16852.html

FLEX Vessel Prep 12 Month AV Registry Data and 12 Month Belong PAD Data Shows Benefit to Micro-incisions Before Balloon or DCB Treatment:

https://www.venturemedgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/VEITH-Data-FINAL.pdf

Angioplasty with novel, easy-to-use, bladed Flex Vessel Prep system “could replace standard of care”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRpkrURx1mc

Surgical AVF Articles Atlas Condensed - sAVF Overview - Creation Maturation and Difficulties:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f26FT65s03oZjjeZhBVy8auz0h8PTNvX3CWU5Xi_H5c/edit?usp=share_link

Surgical AVF Articles Asif A, Early Arteriovenous fistula failure:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zZEWgxsdBM4MKCQFjw0U04ra_hB9Ey_N/view?usp=share_link

Surgical AVF Articles Asif A - Best Vascular Access in the Elderly - Time for Innovation:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IpH-KnZyfN5Rqm_kxLnERnEJD6vcjAO8/view?usp=sharing

Surgical AVF Articles EV Today - Managing Cephalic Arch Stenosis:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17yVd2M706YCtX-xTK6teesgZqzVIgUoN/view?usp=share_link

VentureMed 2024 FLEX Vessel Prep System Reimbursement Guide:

https://www.venturemedgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MMA-CTO-15690_FlexVesselPrepSystem-BillingGuide_Lv6-003.pdf

BackTable VI Podcast Episode #139 - AV Fistula & Graft Maintenance with Dr. Ari Kramer:

https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/139/av-fistula-graft-maintenance

BackTable VI Podcast Episode #292 - Dialysis Interventions with Drug-Coated Balloons, Covered Stents and More with Dr. Ari Kramer:

https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/292/dialysis-interventions-with-drug-coated-balloons-covered-stents-more