Comparing two types of vascular access for older adults on hemodialysis
Official title: A Randomized Trial of Fistula vs. Graft Arteriovenous Vascular Access in Older Adults with End-Stage Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis: The AV ACCESS Trial
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10912828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well two types of surgeries for getting blood access work for older adults with severe kidney disease who need dialysis, to see which one helps them feel better and be happier with their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,016,814 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG071803-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are starting hemodialysis and require surgical vascular access.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not require hemodialysis will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of two surgical options for vascular access in older adults with end-stage kidney disease who require hemodialysis. It compares arteriovenous fistulas and grafts to determine which method leads to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction. The study involves a randomized trial with 262 participants aged 65 and older, focusing on their experiences and clinical results. By gathering data from multiple centers, the research aims to provide robust evidence to guide treatment decisions for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vascular access strategies that enhance the health and quality of life for older adults undergoing hemodialysis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot trials have shown feasibility in enrolling older adults for this type of research, indicating potential for success in larger studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murea, Mariana — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Murea, Mariana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Fistula versus graft for hemodialysis access in older adults
This study compares two types of surgical dialysis access—fistulas and grafts—to find which is better for adults aged 65 and older who are using a catheter for hemodialysis.
-
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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.