Optimizing Dynamic-AVF materials to Reduce foreign body
XS Innovations and Maastricht University have joined forces to improve the Dynamic Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVF), an innovative implantable device designed for patients with end-stage kidney disease who require hemodialysis. The DAVF can regulate blood flow—ensuring high flow during dialysis and restoring normal circulation at other times—aiming to reduce complications and improve patient quality of life. This new public–private partnership combines XS Innovations’ medical device engineering expertise with Maastricht University’s advanced biomaterials research.
Every year, thousands of Dutch patients rely on hemodialysis to survive. This treatment requires a surgically created vascular access, usually an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Unfortunately, almost half of AVFs fail within the first year, leading to repeat surgeries, higher healthcare costs, and a lower quality of life. Complications such as narrowing of the vessel, clotting, heart strain, and bleeding are common. These issues place a significant burden not only on patients—who often already face multiple health challenges—but also on the healthcare system, with annual vascular access costs reaching tens of thousands of euros per patient.
The project will focus on optimizing the DAVF’s casing and graft materials to reduce the body’s foreign body response and the risk of thrombosis. Work will include selecting suitable materials, improving the valve casing design, developing advanced coatings or graft linings, and performing rigorous in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility tests. By addressing both material performance and biological compatibility, the improved DAVF design will aim to extend device lifespan and reduce the need for repeat interventions.
Deliverables will include validated material choices, optimized casing and graft prototypes, and preclinical testing results demonstrating improved safety, performance, and durability. These results will be an essential step toward regulatory approval and future clinical use, with the ultimate goal of making dialysis treatment safer, more effective, and less burdensome for patients.
