Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, stated, “This ground-breaking approach exemplifies how tailored, cost-effective solutions can revolutionize patient management, especially in resource-limited settings like ours. We are proud to lead in this field and improve the quality of life for our dialysis patients.”

Underpinning the affordability and cost effectiveness of the technique Prof. H S Kohli, Head, Department of Nephrology, PGIMER, said, “The development of this technique has been a game-changer. It provides a safe, simple, and affordable option for managing high-flow Arterio-venous fistulae, directly addressing a major complication in dialysis care.”

High-flow fistulae are a common complication among dialysis patients. These fistulae, which are surgically created connections between an artery and a vein, are vital for effective dialysis. However, when the fistula’s flow rate becomes excessive, it can lead to increased pressure on the heart, resulting in heart failure, inadequate dialysis, and risks of fistula rupture. Until now, managing such high-flow fistulae required complex procedures involving angiography, hospitalization, and expensive equipment like catheterization labs, often costing around 50,000 rupees—posing a financial burden on patients and healthcare systems alike.

Recognizing this challenge, PGIMER team led by Prof. Manish Rathi from Department of Nephrology and ably supported by Dr Ajay Salwania from Department of General Surgery , developed a simple yet effective banding technique that can be performed without the need for advanced imaging or hospitalization.