Dialysis dilemma: which access surgery is safer for seniors?

NCT ID NCT04646226

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two types of surgery to create dialysis access in older adults (60+) with end-stage kidney disease. One method connects a vein directly to an artery (fistula), the other uses a synthetic tube (graft). The goal is to see which leads to fewer infections and more days without a temporary catheter. 103 participants are being followed to guide better care for seniors.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

surgical procedure (fistula or graft creation)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors choose the better type of dialysis access for older patients, reducing infections and time on catheters.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 103 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Both procedures carry risks like infection or clotting.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic kidney disease dialysis disequilibrium syndrome end stage renal failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States

  • Prisma Health Upstate

    Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, United States

  • UCLA

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35487, United States

  • University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville

    Knoxville, Tennessee, 37920, United States

  • University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53726, United States