Patient Resources
The Ark Patient Guide
Your dialysis treatment is essential to your journey towards a stronger and healthier you. As part of your journey, your doctor has recommended using the Voyager Ark.
Your Vascular Access Needle Guide
A small metal device, the Ark, was implanted by your doctor in the soft tissues around your vein. It will be a physical target to help your healthcare provider find your vein to insert needles during your hemodialysis treatment.
The Ark is also designed to enclose your vein for added protection from unintentional injuries, aiming to prevent damaging needle penetration that can cause blood loss through the back wall of your vein.
The Ark is made of titanium with a porous top and bottom and comes in four different models. Your doctor will tell you what size has been implanted in you. Your doctor will also determine when your Ark is ready for use, which may be in as little as six weeks.
Why You’ll Love Your Ark
Prevent Injury
Because the Ark protects your vein’s side and back walls, it may be less prone to unintentional injuries during needle insertion.
Uncomplicated Treatment
Going through hemodialysis is not easy, but with your Ark, you may have a better experience during treatment.
Reliable Target
Your Ark is designed to be a safe, reliable, and efficient target that guides your healthcare provider in inserting the needle into the right vein.
Save Time & Energy
Your treatment may be more comfortable and may be completed in less time.
What You Should Expect
Your Ark should be ready for needle insertions six weeks after the implant, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.
Your healthcare provider will give you a packet (Ark Patient Guide Kit) to ensure you have the essential information, including your implant card and accessories.
Carry your Ark Patient Guide Kit and accessories, as needed, when you go for hemodialysis treatment.
Show your healthcare provider your Implant Card before your hemodialysis treatment to help them correctly identify your Ark implant.
If it’s your first time using the Ark, ask your healthcare provider what to expect when the needle is put into and taken out of the device.
When to Call Your Doctor
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You see signs of skin erosion or irritation around the implant area.
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You feel pain in the implant area.
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The implant area is bleeding.
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You have a fever.
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You feel nauseous.
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The implant area is swollen, sore, crusty, red, or shows discoloration.
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You experience chills.
Your Questions Answered
A: Only authorized and trained personnel can implant and access the Voyager device, including your doctor, nurse, and dialysis technician.
A: Report it to your healthcare provider to ensure they know how to access your Ark correctly or take the necessary steps to resolve the issue if your Ark becomes inaccessible.
A: You should be able to get an MRI even if you had an Ark implant. But make sure you consult your doctor first for recommendations, depending on your health condition.
A: The Ark is intended for use as a permanent implant. However, it can be surgically removed upon your doctor’s recommendation.
A: The metal in the device may activate security alarms. If this occurs, you can show your Voyager Ark Implant Card to let the establishment know you have an Ark implant.
A: Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on how to care for your Ark after the implant.
Ensure you do not tamper or play with your implanted device, surgical wound, and scabs from the surgery.
Do not play with scabs from needle insertions into the Ark during and after your hemodialysis.
Always keep the implant site clean.
Avoid putting pressure on or inflicting trauma to the implanted area, such as hitting or aggressively rubbing or scratching your skin.
Do not carry heavy items such as big purses or shopping bags with your arm where the Ark has been implanted.
The Ark is designed for hemodialysis use only. Do not use it to administer medication, illegal drugs, or blood draws.
Do not use your arm with the Ark implant when checking your blood pressure. However, if you don’t have a choice, do not put the blood pressure cuff on your Ark implant.
Don’t Forget!
Your Ark is a state-of-the-art device designed to help you go through your hemodialysis treatment with ease, comfort, safety, and efficiency.
To ensure you have the best experience, here’s a helpful checklist you can review before you visit your doctor for your upcoming hemodialysis treatment.
- Read your Ark Patient Guide Kit to learn about your Ark and how to care for it.
- Carry your Ark Implant Card every time you leave your home.
- Show your Ark Implant Card to your healthcare provider before you start your hemodialysis treatment.
- Be prepared to show your Ark Implant Card to the establishment’s staff, in case your Ark has set off the security alarm, to inform them of your implant.
- Contact your healthcare provider for questions about your Ark or to report any problems with your implant.