A new, biocompatible vascular conduit to improve dialysis access
Official title: Vertically Integrated Approach to Design a Biologically and Mechanically Optimized Vascular Conduit for Dialysis Vascular Access
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11346059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant supports developing an innovative, biocompatible device to improve blood flow in dialysis patients by making AV fistulas or grafts more reliable and easier to use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $491,421 |
| NIH project number | 5U01EB035996-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11346059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with end-stage kidney disease who rely on AV fistulas or grafts for hemodialysis and may benefit from more reliable access.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without advanced dialysis access issues or who are not candidates for a surgically implanted conduit may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers aim to create the Functional INtegrated Electrospun (FINE) device, a vascular conduit with an inner copper-based core and an outer biocompatible sheath designed to integrate with the body, resist bacteria, and reduce inflammation. The project includes designing, testing in a pig model of AV access stenosis, and scaling up production to prepare for clinical use. If successful, this could mean fewer procedures and better access for people who rely on hemodialysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the FINE device could reduce failure rates and complications of dialysis access, improving longevity and reducing hospitalizations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows strong potential for improved vascular conduits, but this approach is novel and translational steps are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roy-Chaudhury, Prabir — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Roy-Chaudhury, Prabir
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-
CHOOSE Home: Using community health workers to boost home dialysis and social care in CKD
A real-world trial tests adding community health workers to an interdisciplinary CKD clinic to help patients access home dialysis options.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.