Improving Arteriovenous Fistulas for Dialysis
Official title: Manipulating the matrix to improve arteriovenous fistula patency
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11141596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores ways to help arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) work better and last longer for people who need hemodialysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $757,704 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL144476-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to patients with kidney failure who require hemodialysis and rely on arteriovenous fistulas for vascular access.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require hemodialysis or do not use an arteriovenous fistula for vascular access would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people who need hemodialysis rely on an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), which is a connection between an artery and a vein, to access their blood. However, these fistulas often don't mature properly or fail over time, especially in women, leading to more surgeries. Our team is working to understand the natural processes that help veins adapt to the high blood flow of an AVF. We are looking at specific biological signals, like TGF-beta and a protein called tenascin-C, that influence how the vein wall remodels. By understanding these signals, we hope to find new ways to make AVFs more successful and durable for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help AVFs mature better and last longer, reducing the need for repeated procedures and improving the quality of life for dialysis patients.
How similar studies have gone: This research uses an innovative mouse model and has generated exciting new data, suggesting a novel approach to understanding and improving AVF patency.
Where this research is happening
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Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dardik, Alan — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Dardik, Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.