Clinical Research Directory

Observational GORE® VIABAHN® Endoprosthesis With PROPATEN Bioactive Surface Global Registry

Collect real-world post-market clinical follow-up data on patients treated with the GORE® VIABAHN® Endoprosthesis with PROPATEN Bioactive Surface (VSX)

Pivotal Study of the Velocity™ pAVF System

This study will evaluate the Velocity Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula (pAVF) System, a new minimally invasive method for creating dialysis access. People with kidney failure often require dialysis, which depends on having a reliable arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Traditionally, AVFs are created with surgery, but surgery can involve incisions, longer recovery, and sometimes additional procedures before the AVF can be used. The Velocity System is designed to create an AVF through a small puncture in the skin using a catheter-based approach, without open surgery. This pivotal study will assess how safe the procedure is and how well it works for patients who need dialysis. The study will take place at multiple centers in the United States and will enroll adults with kidney failure who are candidates for fistula creation. Participants will undergo the Velocity procedure and then be followed closely with exams, ultrasounds, and dialysis assessments for up to five years. Taking part is voluntary. Patients may benefit from a less invasive approach to dialysis access, but the main goal is to collect information that could improve future care for people with kidney failure.

Single-Needle Distal Return for Long-Term Arteriovenous Fistula Care

Background: For millions of people worldwide with kidney failure, a well-functioning vascular access, like an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), is essential for life-sustaining hemodialysis. However, the standard method requires puncturing the same AVF with two needles three times a week, which over time can damage the vessel, leading to scarring, narrowing, and frequent failures. These complications often require repeated surgical or minimally invasive procedures (reinterventions), causing significant pain, high medical costs, and exhaustion of the patient's limited blood vessels. New Approach: This study will evaluate a modified puncture technique called the Single-Needle Distal Return (SNDR) strategy for long-term AVF care. Instead of using two needles in the AVF, only one needle is placed in the AVF to draw blood. The cleaned blood is then returned to the body through a second needle placed in a superficial vein in the foot or lower leg. This approach aims to reduce trauma to the critical AVF. Study Plan: This is a clinical study conducted at the Blood Purification Center of Anhui Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital. We plan to enroll approximately 50 adult hemodialysis patients who use an AVF and are willing to try the SNDR technique. For comparison, we will also observe data from a similar number of patients receiving standard two-needle AVF care during the same period. The study will last about three years. We will closely monitor patients using the SNDR technique to assess: Effectiveness: Whether dialysis remains adequate (measured by Kt/V). Safety: Rates of complications (like bruising or infection), dialysis machine alarms, and venous pressure during treatment. Practical Benefits: Whether it reduces the need for repair procedures (reinterventions) and hospitalizations related to the AVF. Economic Impact: Changes in healthcare costs. Patient Experience: Patient tolerance and comfort with the technique. We will also analyze the characteristics of patients who successfully use this technique long-term to help identify who might benefit most from it in the future. Potential Significance: If proven successful and safe for long-term use, the SNDR strategy could help protect a patient's precious AVF, potentially reducing painful procedures, lowering costs, slowing down the exhaustion of blood vessels, and improving the quality of life for people on long-term dialysis. The findings may also guide better planning for vascular access care.