Doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have developed a new banding technique to manage a serious complication seen in many dialysis patients. This technique is minimally invasive, safe, and much cheaper compared to traditional methods, offering relief to thousands of kidney patients who depend on regular dialysis.
What is a Fistula and Why is it Important?
For dialysis, patients need an arterio-venous fistula (AV fistula). It is created by connecting an artery and a vein, usually in the arm, so that blood can flow quickly for dialysis. However, sometimes the fistula becomes “high-flow”, meaning too much blood passes through it. This can lead to complications like heart strain, swelling, and discomfort, and in some cases may even affect the success of dialysis.
The Problem with Current Treatments
Managing a high-flow fistula is not easy. Traditional treatments require complex procedures that may cost up to ₹50,000, making them unaffordable for many patients in India. These procedures can also be time-consuming and may involve hospital stays, adding to the patient’s physical and financial burden.
PGIMER’s New Banding Technique
To solve this problem, PGIMER doctors have developed a banding technique that reduces the blood flow in the fistula without harming it. The procedure is:
- Minimally invasive – done with a small incision.
- Day-care based – patients can go home the same day.
- Safe and effective – lowers the flow while preserving the fistula for future dialysis.
- Affordable – costs only around ₹5,000, which is almost one-tenth of the cost of current treatments.
This makes the technique highly accessible, especially for patients from lower-income backgrounds.
Expert Opinion
According to PGIMER doctors, this technique could change the way fistula complications are treated across India. It is simple enough to be adopted in many hospitals and dialysis centres, and its affordability ensures that patients are not forced to skip treatment due to cost.
Conclusion
The new banding technique from PGIMER is a game-changer for dialysis patients. By offering a safe, simple, and low-cost solution to high-flow fistula complications, it has the potential to improve the quality of life for countless kidney patients in India.
This is another reminder that innovations in healthcare don’t always need to be high-tech or expensive—sometimes, the most impactful changes come from making treatments simpler and more affordable.
