title: No-needle dialysis (NND): experience with the new carbon transcutaneous hemodialysis (HD) access device (CTAD).
abstract: A new carbon transcutaneous access device (CTAD) for hemodialysis id described the precludes the need for needle puncture. The device consists of a vitreous carbon access port attached to a PTFE graft. A disposable connector provides for movement of blood from the device into and out of the dialyzer. Twenty-one of the devices have been implanted in 18 patients. Overall 9 month patency rate is 64.3%, comparing favorably with conventional PTFE grafts. The incidence of infection (1 per .05 patient months) and thrombosis (28.6% at 9 months) similarly compare favorably with other forms of vascular access. The CTAD provides a unique opportunity by permitting hemodialysis without the pain or risk of needle punctures.
mesh_terms: D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*