A new method to deliver drugs directly to blood vessels to prevent complications in kidney disease patients.

An Image-Guided Microrobotic Drug Delivery Method for Preventive Vascular Interventions

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Arizona · NIH-11105106

This study is testing a tiny robot that can deliver a special medicine directly to the veins used in hemodialysis to help prevent problems like blockages, making life easier for patients with arteriovenous fistulas.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Arizona NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Scottsdale, United States)
Project IDNIH-11105106 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a microrobotic system that can deliver a specific drug, AZD8797, directly to the outflow veins of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) used in hemodialysis. The goal is to prevent complications such as venous stenosis and thrombosis, which can occur in over 30% of AVFs. By using soft microrobots, the researchers aim to provide localized treatment without causing damage to the blood vessel or systemic side effects. This innovative approach could significantly reduce the need for repeated surgical interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with end-stage kidney disease who are using arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have arteriovenous fistulas or are not undergoing hemodialysis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved long-term outcomes for patients with end-stage kidney disease by preventing complications associated with AVFs.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of microrobots for drug delivery is a novel approach, similar targeted drug delivery methods have shown promise in other areas of medical research.

Where this research is happening

Scottsdale, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions atherosclerotic coronary disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.