For many years, the KDOQI guidelines have stressed the importance of surveilling the hemodialysis access, but multiple methods and technologies exist, with the most common devices being built by us (Transonic) and Fresenius. Naturally then, we are frequently asked the question, does the Transonic HD03 compete with the Fresenius devices? The answer is no, not directly. While a few functions do overlap, they work best in tandem, and in fact the Transonic device provides valuable assistance to hemodialysis surveillance when that hemodialysis treatment is performed with a Fresenius machine.   

The Fresenius 6008 CAREsystem is a hemodialysis treatment platform that provides and controls the dialysis treatment with Online Clearance Monitoring® Blood Volume Monitoring® Blood Temperature Monitor®, Venous Access Monitor, and AutoFlow / EcoFlow. Together, these support dialysis adequacy and patient safety.

The Transonic HD03 monitor offers three measurements which—importantly—provide a stand-alone comparison of dialysis function. For example, in catheters, the Delivered Flow can differ from the pump setting due to the catheter’s inability to achieve the set blood flow rate. This can result from the catheter design, fibrin sheath buildup, or catheter placement . In AVF or AVG’s the Delivered Flow may differ from the pump setting when the AVF/AVG has a low Access Flow and therefore can’t deliver the proper flow volume.  

Furthermore, the HD03 device offers recirculation and access flow measurements. Recirculation measurements provide the actual percentage of recirculation that is occurring at the access, warning clinicians if recirculation is preventing the patient from receiving their proper dialysis prescription. Access flow can provide early warning of many potential access problems, like stenosis, allowing intervention before the problem becomes emergent. It can also forewarn of potential high-flow problems like high-output cardiac failure.

Functioning in tandem, the two devices provide a comprehensive picture: the Fresenius system ensures effective dialysis delivery, while the Transonic HD03 validates actual blood flow, detects recirculation, and tracks vascular access health.