Kaohsiung Medical University / Prof. Wen-Hsien Ho

 Pain Points Solved 

1. Conventional arteriovenous fistula stenosis assessment often relies on clinical experience or additional imaging examinations, which may delay the detection of vascular narrowing and interrupt scheduled hemodialysis treatments.

2. This technology utilizes artificial intelligence and acoustic blood-flow analysis to provide rapid, non-invasive screening before dialysis. With a diagnostic accuracy of 95%, it enables early intervention, reduces emergency procedures, and lowers healthcare burdens.

 Technology Introduction 

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requires routine pathological examination to ensure dialysis fistula function. By measuring and recording arteriovenous blood flow before hemodialysis, quantifying minute features in blood flow sounds, extracting their acoustic characteristics, comparing them with normal blood flow sounds, and applying artificial intelligence methods, we then obtain the degree of vascular stenosis.  The accuracy of the deep learning model reaches 95%. The device can be applied in the following areas:

1. Dialysis room for kidney dialysis patients.

2. Long-term care facilities for kidney dialysis patients.

3. Home care for kidney dialysis patients.

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of Blood Flow Sound Recording Positions

Figure 2. Schematic Diagram of Blood Flow Sound Recording Positions

Figure 3. User Interface of the Arteriovenous Fistula Monitoring System

 Application Examples 

1. The device can be deployed in hospital dialysis units and dialysis centers to routinely monitor arteriovenous fistula function before treatment, enabling early detection of stenosis and improving dialysis safety and quality.

2. It is also suitable for long-term care facilities and home-care settings, providing continuous fistula monitoring for ESRD patients and supporting remote healthcare management to reduce the risk of unexpected vascular occlusion.

 Related Links 

None

 Patent Name and Number 

TW I815608

 Industry-Academia / Tech Transfer Partner 

None

 Honors and Awards  

None

 Technical Contact  

Mr. Hung, Assistant Manager

Kaohsiung Medical University 
Tel: +886 7-3121101 ext. 2360
Email: R121084@kmu.edu.tw