Ultrasonic Guided Automatic Cannulation System

The fistula is a dialysis patient's lifeline, and every failed stick puts it at risk. Safer, easier cannulation could open home dialysis to more patients and reduce reliance on clinic staff

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Problem and Stakeholders
Why it Matters

The Problem: Hemodialysis patients need two needles inserted into their AV fistula about 3 times a week (300+ sticks a year)

Self-cannulation: missed sticks can cause infiltration, bruising, and long-term damage to the fistula; fear of needles keeps many patients from dialyzing at home

Professional cannulation: requires clinic visits and adds time and cost to every session

Our idea: a portable device that finds the fistula with ultrasound and guides the needle to the vessel centerline