RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Richmond Vascular Center, Central Virginia’s state-of-the-art treatment center for Radiology Associates of Richmond and Surgical Associates of Richmond, is the first US site to offer the Ellipsys® Vascular Access System, a game-changing innovation for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
The newly FDA-approved Ellipsys System is a minimally-invasive, single catheter-based system designed for ESRD patients requiring hemodialysis. Pioneered by local interventional radiologist and the Director of Richmond Vascular Center (RVC), Dr. Jeffrey Hull, the new procedure and technology bring patients a unique non-surgical option for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation, a procedure that had previously not changed in over 50 years.
A significant advancement for dialysis patients and clinicians, the Ellipsys System, developed by Avenu Medical (San Juan Capistrano, CA), transforms an open surgery connecting an artery to a vein into a minimally invasive procedure using a needle and a catheter. Using a percutaneous approach, the Ellipsys procedure replaces an incision with a needle puncture, ultrasound imaging replaces surgical dissection, and sutures are replaced with tissue fusion. The procedure can be performed in the physician office, but will also be used in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. After the procedure, the patient leaves with just a band aid.
Since 1966, the AV fistula was surgically created in an operating room by sewing a major arm vein and artery together in the arm. When this is done, blood from the artery will pass through the vein increasing its flow rate and diameter. This makes the vein suitable for the insertion of the needles required for hemodialysis treatment. The AVF is the best method for vascular access reducing hospitalization and mortality with the additional benefits of longer term patency, improved flow rates and fewer complications than other methods of vascular access.
“We are very encouraged by the consistent positive results we’ve been seeing in patients,” said Dr. Hull. “And it is rewarding to be able to offer a faster, more efficient and less-invasive option for patients requiring vascular access. We’re proud to be the first in the nation to provide this quality of life improvement opportunity for ESRD patients.”
Located at 173 Wadsworth Drive, in the Midlothian Center in North Chesterfield, Richmond Vascular Center (RVC) is committed to serving its community with the utmost compassion and respect. Offering a state-of-the art facility, our outpatient center and its entire staff recognize the importance of compassion, privacy, and dignity in the delivery of these services. RVC can be reached at 804-864-8346.
Media: To arrange an interview with Dr. Hull or patient success stories, or to receive more information about the new Ellipsys Vascular Access System, please contact Paul Williams at 310/569-0023 or paul@medialinecommunications.com.