Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a Vascular Prosthesis for Hemodialysis Access in Patients With ESRD

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel, tissue-engineered vascular prosthesis, the Human Acellular Vascular Graft, HAVG.

The HAVG is intended as an alternative to synthetic materials and to autologous grafts in the creation of vascular access for dialysis.

The HAVG is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, acellular tubular graft composed of human collagens and other natural extra-cellular matrix proteins. Upon implantation, it is anticipated (based on pre-clinical studies) that the collagen-based matrix comprising the graft will be infiltrated with host cells and re-modeled by the host. This will result in a vascular structure more similar to the histological composition of the native vascular tissue that may improve graft longevity and be less likely to become infected.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who are not, or who are no longer, candidates for creation of an autogenous AV fistula and therefore need placement of an AV graft in the upper extremity to start or maintain hemodialysis therapy
* Patients between 18 and 75 years old, inclusive
* Suitable anatomy for implantation of straight forearm grafts or curved upper arm grafts (arterial anastomosis to radial or brachial artery, venous anastomosis to either brachial cephalic or very central basilica vein)
* Hemoglobin ≥8g/dL and platelet count ≥100,000/mm3 prior to Day 1
* Other hematological and biochemical parameters within a range consistent with ESRD and acceptable for the administration of general anesthesia prior to Day 1
* Adequate liver function, defined as serum bilirubin ≤1.5 mg/dL; GGT, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase ≤2x upper limit of normal or INR ≤ 1.5 prior to Day 1.
* Ability to communicate meaningfully with investigative staff, competence to give written informed consent, and ability to comply with entire study procedures
* Able and willing to give informed consent
* Life expectancy of at least 1 year

Exclusion Criteria:

* History or evidence of severe cardiac disease (NYHA Functional Class III or IV), myocardial infarction within six months of study entry (Day 1), ventricular tachyarrhythmias requiring continuing treatment, or unstable angina
* History or evidence of severe peripheral vascular disease in the upper limbs
* Known or suspected central vein obstruction on the side of planned graft implantation
* Stroke within six (6) months of study entry (Day 1)
* Treatment with any investigational drug or device within 60 days prior to study entry (Day 1)
* Treatment with vitamin K-antagonists or direct thrombin inhibitors within the previous month to study entry (Day 1)
* All patients (including both female patients of childbearing potential and male patients with childbearing potential partners) who do not use a highly effective method of birth control (failure rate less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly), e.g. implants, injectables, combined oral contraceptives in combination with a barrier method, some intrauterine contraceptive devices, sexual abstinence, or a vasectomized partner
* Active diagnosis of cancer within the previous year
* Immunodeficiency including AIDS / HIV
* Documented hypercoagulable state or history of 2 or more DVTs or other spontaneous intravascular thrombotic events
* Bleeding diathesis
* Active autoimmune disease
* Previous PTFE graft in the operative limb unless the HAVG can be placed more proximally than the previous failed graft
* More than 1 failed PTFE graft in the operative limb
* Active local or systemic infection (WBC \> 15,000/mm3)
* Patients receiving a forearm graft with which crosses the elbow
* Patients receiving an upper arm graft with arterial anastomosis to the axillary artery or venous anastomosis to the axillary vein
* Patients receiving a lower extremity AV access
* Known serious allergy to aspirin or penicillin
* Any other condition which in the judgment of the investigator would preclude adequate evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the HAVG
* Previous enrollment in this study
* Employees of the sponsor or patients who are employees or relatives of the investigator
* PRA \> 20% (first 10 patients only)