Vasca, Inc.

John R Ross

James R Tobul

A system and method for positioning an article, such as a graft or catheter, in a subcutaneous tunnel between skin and muscle tissue of a patient. The system comprises a tunneling tool, a pair of nested tubes coupleable to a trailing end of the tunnel tool, and a flexible article which can be slidably received within the pair of nested tubes. The nested tubes each have a leading end, a trailing end, and a longitudinal opening.

Devices, systems, and methods for subcutaneously placing an article

The present invention provides improved methods for establishing vascular access to a patient's body lumen or other target location, particularly blood vessels, for performing extracorporeal treatments, such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, plasmapheresis, apheresis, and the like, on circulating blood. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods which may enhance extracorporeal blood flow rates, reduce instances of fibrin sheath or thrombosis formation, and minimize recirculation effects. Methods for recirculating blood to a patient include placing a draw catheter so that a distal tip thereof is positioned in a right atrium of the patient's heart. A return catheter is placed so that a distal tip thereof is positioned in a superior vena cava. Extracorporeal blood flow from the draw catheter to the return catheter may then be established.

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Bamberg, SC, United States of America

John R Ross