Comparing outcomes of two methods for creating access points for dialysis.
Official title: Endovascular vs. Surgical Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10839297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at two ways to create access points for dialysis—one that's been used for a long time and a newer method—to see which one works better and has fewer problems for people needing dialysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $182,184 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK123319-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10839297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic kidney disease who require hemodialysis and need vascular access.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for hemodialysis or those who already have established and functioning vascular access may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of two different methods for creating arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) used in hemodialysis: the traditional surgical approach and a newer endovascular technique. The study aims to determine which method leads to better outcomes for patients requiring dialysis access. By conducting a randomized clinical trial, the research will compare the success rates and complications associated with each technique. Patients will be monitored for issues such as maturation failure and the need for additional procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dialysis access methods, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results for the endovascular approach, but this research aims to provide definitive comparisons through a randomized trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Balas, Alian — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Al-Balas, Alian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
-
Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
-
Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
-
How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
-
Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
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Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
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.