Better dialysis filters to remove protein-bound wastes and prevent clotting
Beyond Urea Kinetics: Balancing Tradeoffs in Dialyzer Design for the Next 50 Years
This project tests whether a redesigned dialysis cartridge that slows blood flow and controls shear forces can pull out more protein-bound toxins and lower clotting risk for people on hemodialysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171367 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They are designing a new parallel-plate dialyzer that holds blood longer and keeps shear forces gentle. Lab and preclinical tests will measure how well this design clears protein-bound uremic toxins that normally stick to albumin. The team will also study how the new flow patterns affect platelet activation and clot formation. If those steps look promising, the work could move toward testing in dialysis patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who receive chronic in-center hemodialysis for kidney failure are the most suitable candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People not on hemodialysis—such as those on peritoneal dialysis or with normal kidney function—are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the new dialyzer could lower levels of harmful protein-bound toxins and reduce clotting during treatment, potentially improving health and survival for people on long-term hemodialysis.
How similar studies have performed: Research on removing protein-bound toxins and reducing dialysis-related clotting is an emerging area with some encouraging lab results, but this specific dialyzer design is novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Matthew H — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Matthew H
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 below.