title: Devices in vascular access: is technology overtaking evidence?
abstract: Advances in device technology have led to a rapid expansion in the number of available devices, which can be used for the formation and maintenance of vascular access. Whilst this may appear to be improving outcomes, there is little evidence to support the use of these devices over currently available methods. Most of the evidence that is available is from small studies with an absence of robust well-designed trials. The examples of "quick-stick" grafts and drug-eluting balloons serve to illustrate this. Whilst there is an enthusiasm for the potential benefits of novel devices there is also a risk - both economically and clinically - to adopting new practices without appropriate and valid comparisons to be made.
authors: 1 Department of Renal Surgery and Transplantation, New Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham - UK.
authors: Nicholas G
authors: NG
authors: Inston
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Jones
mesh_terms: D017130:Angioplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D035843:Biomedical Research; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D062666:Vascular Access Devices