Dialysis vein mystery: researchers hunt for clues to prevent blockages

NCT ID NCT01693263

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Chicago Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study follows 96 people with end-stage kidney disease who need a brachiocephalic fistula for dialysis. Researchers collect data from exams, blood tests, and imaging to track changes in the vein over time. The goal is to learn what causes cephalic arch stenosis, a common narrowing that can make dialysis difficult. Findings may help improve how fistulas are created and managed.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this research could identify causes of vein narrowing in dialysis patients, leading to better fistula designs and fewer complications.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study with only 96 participants, so findings may not apply to all patients. It does not test a new treatment directly.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Participants

96 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Oct 2011

Expected to finish

Jun 2027

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Who is studied

Subjects for consideration in the study will be those referred from the out-patient nephrology clinic at the University of Chicago or a dialysis unit affiliated with DaVita Dialysis for a primary AVF. Eligible patients are those who are evaluated at the University of Chicago or Weiss Hospital by a transplant or vascular surgeon. If the treating surgeon determines that the patient will have an attempted BCF, these patients will be eligible to participate in this study. The research team will be notified of a potential subject.

Ages

21 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects enrolled in the study will include patients with irreversible chronic renal failure; either those receiving chronic hemodialysis or anticipation that hemodialysis will be required. * Subjects for consideration in the study will be referred from the out-patient nephrology clinic at the University of Chicago or a dialysis unit affiliated with DaVita Dialysis for a primary AVF. The patient will be referred for AVF placement and evaluated at the University of Chicago by a transplant or vascular surgeon. If it is determined that the patient is a candidate for fistula placement, the surgeon will decide based on physical exam, the best location for the access. If the optimal location is a proposed BCF, a research coordinator will be notified and the patient will be enrolled by written consent approved by the IRB from the University of Chicago. * Subjects who can provide consent or consent of a surrogate through proxy Exclusion Criteria: * Patients will be excluded if they are less than 21 years of age * Pregnant females will be excluded. A careful history will be taken and women who are pregnant or have a clinical indication will have a serum pregnancy test with a positive result will be excluded. * Those with a known history of anaphylaxis from contrast * Those who are found to be ineligible to have a surgical placement of a BCF as determined by the surgeon Additional Criteria for the sub-study Inclusion Criteria: * No history of hemodialysis prior to BCF access placement Exclusion Criteria: * History of hemodialysis prior to BCF access placement

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Brachiocephalic fistula (BCF) are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic kidney disease end stage renal failure first branchial cleft anomaly wild type ABeta2M amyloidosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Brachiocephalic fistula (BCF) Cephalic arch stenosis (CAS) Dialysis End stage renal disease (ESRD)

Dialysis vein mystery: researchers hunt for clues to prevent blockages

What the study statuses mean