Understanding how arteriovenous fistulas develop problems after creation
Official title: BCCMA: Cardiovascular Remodeling following Arteriovenous Fistula Creation: Autophagy Contributes to Adverse Arteriovenous Fistula Remodeling
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-10925548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), which are important for patients on dialysis, don’t develop as they should, and it hopes to find ways to help more of them work better for those who need them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006077-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans with end-stage kidney disease who require hemodialysis and are undergoing arteriovenous fistula creation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require hemodialysis or who have alternative vascular access methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons why arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), which are crucial for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage kidney disease, often fail to mature properly. The study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind AVF maturation failure, focusing on factors such as aging and specific cellular processes. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop new therapies that could improve the success rates of AVF maturation, ultimately benefiting patients who rely on these procedures for dialysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients requiring hemodialysis, enhancing the success rates of arteriovenous fistulas.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding vascular access issues in hemodialysis, but this specific approach focusing on AVF maturation mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Timmy C — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Timmy C
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.