A One of a Kind Lifeline A First Responder’s Kidney Health Journey Top

Like the first 25 million respondents in the United States, Jeff Cooper, a former Broward County Polygraph Unit, made a pledge to protect and serve his community. However, like many first responders, Cooper's promise did not reach him - until his deteriorating health forced him to focus on his health. Polycystic Kidney Disease, (PKD), affects more than seven million people worldwide, and in 1975 Cooper became one of those victims. His diagnosis of PKD, a genetic condition, took him on a journey that would not only give him access to new technologies, but would also allow him to have a wonderful relationship that would eventually extend beyond the vow of protection and performance. Lifeline for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease, PKD is a genetic disease that causes the cyst to grow in the kidneys - causing them to grow and lose function. This genetic condition can lead to the final stage of chronic kidney disease, also known as "late stage kidney disease." This condition requires more than 70% of patients to undergo dialysis - a procedure to remove waste and remove excess fluid from the blood to keep the kidneys working and patients alive - or to have a kidney transplant. Prior to receiving dialysis, some patients underwent a series of blood transfusion procedures, commonly called dialysis arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, which were performed by intravenously connecting the artery to the arm, allowing the patient to begin dialysis.  Growing up with a father who underwent dialysis for many years, Cooper saw the side effects of a normal fistula, created by surgery on his father's arms (such as large, swollen arteries) and hoped to find a small option that would allow him to continue normal. Active life. While working with his doctor, Cooper discovered the Ellipses® Vascular Access System - a very unpopular option to create an AV fistula performed through an outpatient procedure. Although the potential risks associated with the formation and maintenance of arteriovenous fistulas exist, the Ellipses' procedure can reduce the time between fistula formation to dialysis from six months to two months, which could translate into faster dialysis treatment. New Outlook, Another Miracle Cooper discovered his Ellipses created by a fistula on December 4, 2020, giving him access to life-saving dialysis. Cooper said he wondered how quickly he could return to daily activities after the Ellipses procedure. After just a few months of repairing his new fistula and starting treatment, Cooper discovered another life-changing miracle. In early February 2021, Guy Kitchens - coincidentally, a policeman in a neighboring district - presented his fellow officer with the largest gift - Kitchens donated his kidney to Cooper. Thanks to Officer Kitchens, Cooper says he feels like a child again. Her kidney function is improving, her doctors are now back with her medication, and above all, she has developed a lifelong friendship with Guy, whom she talks to almost every day. I have a younger brother now and another extended family, "said Cooper." I have a living angel in my life. Without his Ellipses creating fistula treatment and dialysis leading up to that life-changing day in February, Cooper's story could have been much more challenging. Please consult your physician to determine if this procedure is right for you - the results may vary. If you or someone you know is on a dialysis mission, learn more about the Ellipses process, and the associated risks, at www.medtronic.com/Ellipsys.