Comparing two types of vascular access for hemodialysis in elderly patients

A Randomized Controlled Comparative Study on Efficacy and Cost-effectiveness of Autologous Arteriovenous Fistulas Versus Hemodialysis Access Grafts in Elderly Patients

NA · The Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NCT03065972

This study is testing whether a natural blood vessel connection or a graft works better for hemodialysis in patients aged 70 and older.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages70 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Methodist Hospital Research Institute (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT03065972 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study is a prospective, single institution, randomized-controlled trial that aims to compare the effectiveness of autologous arteriovenous fistula versus hemodialysis access grafts in patients aged 70 years and older. A total of 270 patients will be enrolled over a period of 5 years, with follow-up conducted for 2 years after access creation. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups using a concealed block randomization method, and both patients and research staff will be blinded to group assignments to ensure unbiased results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 70 years and older with end-stage renal disease requiring vascular access for hemodialysis.

Not a fit: Patients with known bleeding disorders, active infections, or those who cannot comply with follow-up may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could identify the most effective vascular access method for elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis, potentially improving their treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored vascular access methods in hemodialysis, but this specific comparison in the elderly population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥70 years of all ethnicities, and;
* Have vascular anatomy amenable to arteriovenous fistula creation, and;
* Diagnosed with End-stage Renal Disease stage 4 (GFR 15-29 ml/min 1.73m2) or stage 5 (GFR \<15ml/min 1.73m2) as per the National Kidney Foundation guidelines needing vascular access for hemodialysis; or,
* Currently undergoing hemodialysis with a failure of previous access; or,
* Expected to undergo hemodialysis within 6 months of presentation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable or refuse to abide with follow-up; or,
* Known hypercoagulability syndrome or a bleeding disorder; or,
* Intraoperative decision was made in favor of fistula instead of graft; or,
* Active infections; or,
* Evidence or suspicion of central vein stenosis but shall be included if a central vein catheter or pacemaker is implanted as long as the patient had a venogram within past 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Kidney Disease, Kidney Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease, kidney disease, vascular access, graft, fistula, hemodialysis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.