Dialysis dilemma: catheter or fistula for the elderly?
NCT ID NCT07649083
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two common ways to access the blood for dialysis: a tunneled catheter (a tube placed in a large vein) versus a surgically created fistula (connecting an artery to a vein). The trial will enroll 220 patients aged 60 or older (or younger but with multiple health problems) who need to start dialysis. Researchers will track complications like infection, blockage, or loss of access, as well as quality of life, over one year.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- tunneled cuffed dialysis catheter
- What this could lead to
- If catheters prove safer and more effective, this could change standard practice for elderly or sick patients needing dialysis access.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single-center trial with 220 patients, so results may not apply broadly. Catheters still carry infection risks despite improvements.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for END STAGE RENAL FAILURE, HEMODIALYSIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could a decades-old arthritis drug protect dialysis patients' hearts and veins?
- Could squeezing a ball make port needle changes less painful?
- New catheter coating could cut dialysis complications
- VR goggles take the sting out of dialysis needles
- One needle to rule them all: new dialysis device aims to simplify treatment
- New technique may improve emergency IV placement in upper arm