Using AI and 3D ultrasound to improve dialysis access procedures
Official title: Clinical Trial to Demonstrate Impact of an AI-enabled 3D Ultrasound-based Guidance System in Reducing Arteriovenous Fistula Cannulation Injury and Improving Patient Quality of Life
Funded at Sonavex, INC. · NIH-10922007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new 3D ultrasound system that helps dialysis technicians find blood vessels more easily when starting treatment, with the goal of making the process safer and improving your overall experience during hemodialysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sonavex, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,001 |
| NIH project number | 2R44DK131644-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with end-stage renal disease who require hemodialysis and have an arteriovenous fistula for access.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require hemodialysis or those who use alternative methods of renal replacement therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an AI-enabled 3D ultrasound guidance system to assist dialysis technicians in cannulating arteriovenous (AV) fistulas more effectively. By providing enhanced visualization of blood vessels, the system aims to reduce the risk of injury during the cannulation process, which is a common challenge faced by technicians. The study will evaluate the impact of this technology on patient outcomes, including the reduction of complications and improvement in quality of life for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Patients will be monitored for any improvements in cannulation success rates and overall health following the implementation of this new guidance system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce complications associated with AV fistula cannulation, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for patients on dialysis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that ultrasound guidance can improve outcomes in vascular access procedures, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Sonavex, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Xin — Sonavex, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kang, Xin
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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.