Ex Vivo and Computational Assessment of a Novel Modular Anastomotic Valve Device for the Improvement of Vascular Access

Hemodialysis (HD) is required for patients experiencing end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The most common long-term failure mode for a HD vascular access is occlusion of the outflow vein, initiated by intimal hyperplasia (IH). IH has been associated with locations of low oscillatory wall shear stress (WSS) in the vein. Improvement of vascular access patency could be sought through strategies aimed at preserving normal venous hemodynamics in HD patients. A modular anastomotic valve device (MAVD) has been proposed to limit venous access to arteriovenous graft (AVG) flow. The objective of this thesis is to use ex vivo and computational techniques to assess the ability of the MAVD to reduce WSS abnormalities within the venous anastomosis of an AVG. The assessment of MAVD hemodynamics will serve as a first step toward increasing the quality of life for patients living with ESRD.