Initial in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a self-monitoring prosthetic bypass graft

This report describes initial experiments with a graft-sensor system that has the capability to provide remote, real-time assessment of graft function. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant, wireless transmission through soft tissue using Bluetooth technology (Bluetooth SIG, Inc, Kirkland, Wash) with proprietary software allows active monitoring of function for bypass and dialysis access grafts. Detection of any alteration in flow or a “failing graft” would provide the opportunity to assess graft function with accepted imaging methods and intervene before graft thrombosis to preserve function with decreased morbidity and mortality to patients.