On June 10, 2026, Dr. Su’s team successfully completed the first VasQ external vascular support procedure in Taiwan, and two weeks later completed the team’s second VasQ procedure. For the team, after a period of preparation and careful assessment before the procedure, this advance in care has finally been realized in Taiwan. Through this article, the team sincerely shares this meaningful journey with you.
Two patients just starting dialysis
The two patients who underwent VasQ surgery had just started dialysis treatment and were actively preparing to create dialysis access.
For every patient who needs hemodialysis, the dialysis access is like a second lifeline to sustain life: its maturity and quality directly affect how smoothly every later session goes. After the team’s detailed pre-operative assessment of vessel condition, the vessels of the two patients were found to be very suitable for this new VasQ technique, and after full discussion with the patients, the operations were planned together.
The thorough preparation before surgery
Introducing and using a brand-new medical technology in Taiwan for the first time is never as simple as “following the steps.” Before the operations were formally scheduled, the team put great effort into preparation behind the scenes.
We held in-depth discussions and exchanges across the sea with Dr. Enming Yong of Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore, who has rich experience in VasQ in Asia, learning closely from his valuable practical insights and key details; at the same time, the team worked closely with senior manager Gil of the overseas manufacturer Laminate Medical and our Taiwan partners (VP Lee / Johnny / Ben), carrying out several rehearsals and simulations before surgery to make sure every step and every possible intra-operative situation was under control.
This preparation took far longer than the operations themselves. But the team has always believed that turning an unfamiliar technique into a familiar one and reducing uncertainty to a minimum depends never on luck or confidence, but on one hundred percent solid preparation.
Smooth operations and reassuring follow-up
On the day of surgery, everything went very smoothly, and the overall operating time and workflow were entirely as expected. After surgery, the patients recovered well, with no particular discomfort or complications.
.
At the follow-up visits we specifically arranged ultrasound imaging follow-up to record the development of the vessels completely and precisely. The images clearly show the vessels continuing to mature and change in the desired way. This frontline clinical data gave the team great confidence: this technique is not only theoretically feasible in overseas literature, but its real effect can be seen in patients in Taiwan.
A closing note of thanks
The quality of the vascular access deeply affects every dialysis patient’s quality of life for years to come. Bringing a technique with an established international evidence base into Taiwan with the most careful attitude, and successfully completing the first operation, is indeed an important milestone for the team.
Going forward, we will keep following the long-term condition of the VasQ patients’ vessels, and will carefully organize and accumulate this valuable experience, hoping it can help more patients who need dialysis access in the future.
Progress in medicine is often made like this, one solid small step at a time. We sincerely thank all the partners who offered help, guidance and connections along the way, and we thank even more the two patients who entrusted us with their trust and took this historic first step together with us.
