System and method to increase the overall diameter of veins

摘要

A system and method for increasing the speed of blood and wall shear stress (WSS) in a peripheral vein for a sufficient period of time to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vein is provided. The method includes pumping blood at a desired rate and pulsatility. The pumping is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired blood speed, WSS and pulsatility in the peripheral vein in order to optimize the rate and extent of dilation of the peripheral vein.

主权项

1. A method for creating an arteriovenous fistula or an arteriovenous graft in a human patient, the method comprising:
fluidly connecting one end of a pump-conduit assembly to a donating vein; fluidly connecting another end of the pump-conduit assembly to an accepting vein; pumping deoxygenated blood from the donating vein into the accepting vein for at least 7 days, wherein:
a) the pumping of blood results in a wall shear stress in the accepting vein of greater than or equal to 0.76 Pa,b) the pumping of blood results in a mean pulse pressure in the accepting vein of less than 20 mmHg, andc) the pumping of blood results in an increase in overall diameter of the peripheral vein which persists after pumping has ceased and the pump-conduit assembly has been removed; and, creating the arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft in the patient using at least a portion of the accepting vein with the persistently-increased overall diameter.