A simulator to improve skills for hemodialysis cannulation
Official title: A Smart Simulator for Metrics-based Cannulation Skills Training for Hemodialysis
Funded at Sojourn Medtech LLC · NIH-10830667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a smart training tool to help healthcare workers learn how to safely insert needles for hemodialysis, which is really important for patients with kidney failure, so they can do it better and reduce any risks for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sojourn Medtech LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pendleton, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | September 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $312,088 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DK137665-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10830667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing hemodialysis who require regular cannulation for vascular access.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not undergo hemodialysis or those with alternative forms of renal replacement therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a smart simulator designed to enhance the training of healthcare professionals in the cannulation process for hemodialysis patients. The simulator aims to provide realistic feedback and metrics to improve the proficiency of those performing this critical procedure, which is essential for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). By addressing the common complications associated with cannulation, the project seeks to reduce injury rates to vascular access points, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. The approach combines engineering and educational aspects to create a more effective training tool for medical staff.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective hemodialysis procedures, reducing complications for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with simulation-based training in other medical procedures, indicating a promising potential for this approach in hemodialysis cannulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Sojourn Medtech LLC
Pendleton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petersen, Lydia — Sojourn Medtech LLC
- Study coordinator: Petersen, Lydia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Simulator-based training to improve dialysis needle skills for patients with kidney failure
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Implanted dialysis device for safe, easy at-home hemodialysis
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Improving how patients choose their hemodialysis access
A patient-friendly project to help people with kidney failure better understand and decide between AV fistula, graft, or catheter for hemodialysis.
-
IVUS in AV access dysfunction for hemodialysis patients
A new approach tests whether using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in people with failing AV fistulas or grafts improves diagnosis and guides treatment to prevent more blockages.
-
StepNet-Adapt: a personalized mobile program to boost activity for people on dialysis
A personalized mobile health program uses wearables, texts, and coaching to help people on hemodialysis become more physically active.
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.