ASL Viterbo, the first two Endofav procedures performed in Belcolle
Create dialysis fistulas, without a scalpel, with a radiofrequency pulse that fuses the vein to the artery
VITERBO – At the Belcolle hospital, in recent weeks, the first two “EndoFav” procedures were performed, thanks to which it was possible to create fistulas for dialysis without a scalpel, therefore without a surgical approach, on as many patients, considered candidates for this method.
The procedure consists of making a puncture, with a needle of less than 2 millimeters in caliber, at the level of the forearm, and packaging the fistula with a radiofrequency pulse which fuses the vein to the artery. The two patients, treated with this procedure, were then followed in the following weeks to evaluate the correct “maturation” of the fistula and, successfully, for about a week one patient has already been performing her dialysis cycles without problems.
This is, therefore, a significant development and an important expansion of possible procedures, also the result of the synergistic work that has been carried out in the company for years now by the multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to patients who need to be dialysed, or who are on dialysis . The team, which guarantees multi-specialist management of vascular access, of vital importance for those with end-stage chronic renal failure, is made up of nephrologists Stefano Costantini and Domenico Paletta, vascular surgeon Antonio Modoni and interventional radiologists Armando Raso and Pier Luigi Aloisio (it was the latter who successfully performed the first operations with the EndoFav procedure in Belcolle).
“In order to carry out dialysis – explains Stefano Costantini, acting director of Nephrology and dialysis of the Viterbo Local Health Authority -, the patient must be equipped with vascular access for an adequate quantity of blood to be subjected to purification cycles. Until now the only possible approach was the surgical one which exploited the more superficial arteries of the arms, at the level of the wrist or the crease of the elbow”.
“Today – continues Fabrizio Chegai, head of the Vascular and Interventional Radiology operational unit -, thanks to the support of the company’s strategic management, the company’s pharmacy and e-Procurement, which have guaranteed the provision of the necessary, cutting-edge and innovative technological instruments , we can create a dialysis fistula completely minimally invasively, without cuts and, therefore, endovascularly, through the use of two different types of devices. For all of us, this is a source of great professional satisfaction.”
“Important and essential – adds the director of the Belcolle vascular surgery unit, Antonio Lorido – are the preventive selection of patients, because currently only 20% are candidates for this method, as well as the instrumental clinical follow-up combined with excellent multidisciplinary team work, a real strong point in our hospital structure”.
“The innovative interventions that we have performed at the Belcolle hospital – concludes the extraordinary commissioner of the Viterbo Local Health Authority, Egisto Bianconi – allow patients to benefit from a safe and effective method, with the reduction of the risks related to a traditional surgical procedure. It is a great goal that we have achieved, with a commitment that has involved everyone, from the strategic personnel management to the doctors, technicians and nurses. This is the path we must continue to follow, to improve the quality of healthcare provision for our province.”
