NCT05654103 · University of California, Los Angeles
Comparing Surgical and Endovascular Arteriovenous Fistula Creation
What this study is about
Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who use hemodialysis to filter their blood require vascular access for the dialysis machine; the most common type of vascular access is called an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The AVF is a direct connect between an artery and vein. Until recently, AVFs were only created through surgery that requires general anesthesia and opening up the skin.
View original scientific description
Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who use hemodialysis to filter their blood require vascular access for the dialysis machine; the most common type of vascular access is called an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The AVF is a direct connect between an artery and vein. Until recently, AVFs were only created through surgery that requires general anesthesia and opening up the skin. Now there are 2 FDA-approved devices designed to create AVFs using endovascular techniques (endoAVF), which means a device that goes through the skin instead of opening the skin up. Also patients are not required to be under general anesthesia, they can receive local anesthesia instead. Due to the relatively new approval of these devices, there is not a randomized study to compare the results of endoAVF versus surgAVF. This study is a pilot study for an eventually larger scale study to compare the results of endoAVF versus surgAVF. The study aims to determine what the proportion of patients seeking hemodialysis access could qualify for receiving either an endoAVF , surgAVF, or both. Patients who are screened for hemodialysis access must undergo a duplex ultrasound of the blood vessels in the arm to confirm correct sizing. If participants qualify for both procedures they will be randomized to either endoAVF or surgAVF and will track the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of each procedure. Our pilot study hopes to enroll 90 participants. Those outcomes will inform a larger scale study. If the potential participant chooses to abstain from participation in the randomized trial, preferring to decide the method of AVF creation, we will offer to them a chance to join an endoAVF/surgAVF registry that will track the clinical outcomes of the procedure via medical record monitoring.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- ESKD patients aged ≥ 18 who have chosen hemodialysis as their renal replacement option.
- Ability to give consent to participate in a research study.
- Upper arm vein diameter of ≥ 2.0 mm. Ellipsys specific inclusion criteria:
- Confirmed radial artery-adjacent vein proximity ≤ 1.5 mm measured lumen edge-to-lumen edge as determined by preprocedural ultrasound and confirmed pre-procedurally.
- Confirmed radial artery and adjacent vein diameter of ≥ 2.0 mm at site where vein and artery connects. WavelinQ specific inclusion criteria:
- Target vein diameter ≥ 2.0 mm, target artery diameter ≥ 2.0 mm, and ≤ 2 mm between target artery and vein.
Exclusion criteria
- People under the age of 18.
- Inability to understand the consent process and/or give consent.
- Upper arm vein diameter less than 2.0 mm making them unsuitable to receive an surgAVF AND endoAVF.
- Patients who are deemed by the surgeon to be anatomic candidates for a forearm vascular access, and the surgeon and the patient determine that a forearm access is the optimal access for the patient, in order to preserve more proximal anatomic sites for future accesses.
- Currently incarcerated individuals.
- Currently pregnant or planning to get pregnant within the next 6 months.
- Individuals who choose peritoneal dialysis over hemodialysis and/or undergoing a kidney transplant within 6 months of randomization.
Where
- Los Angeles, California
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations