Clinical Research Directory

A Neuromodulation Auditory System to Optimize Patient Experience During Dysfunctional Dialysis Access Endovascular Procedures

Peri-procedural stress is a common challenge in interventional radiology that can negatively impact patient tolerance and the overall procedural experience. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to evaluate the clinical impact of a non-commercially available, newly-developed structured auditory neuromodulation system, designed to optimize patient experience during endovascular procedures for dysfunctional dialysis access.

Impact of a Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter With Endexo® Technology on Catheter Dysfunction Compared With Historical Catheter Dysfunction Data in Standard Catheters

There is evidence that central venous catheters made of the permanent and non-eluting integral polymer Endexo® are more resistant to intraluminal thrombosis. This has a direct reducing effect on catheter malfunctions. Indirectly, due to reduced handling of the dysfunctional catheter, this may lead to a diminished rate of catheter related infections. Since catheter malfunctions and infections represent leading complications in a dialysis population, dialysis catheters produced with Endexo® technology have the potential to have beneficial clinical effects. In addition to improving patient outcomes, this could also reduce overall costs. In this pilot study the tunneled hemodialysis catheter BioFlo Duramax with Endexo® technology (Merit Medical, Utah, USA) will be compared with historical catheter dysfunction rates in standard tunneled dialysis catheters (silicone or polyurethane) in chronic dialysis population.

Evaluation of the 2-year AVF Utilization Rate

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the standard for dialysis sessions. However, this usually requires surgery before dialysis can begin. Given this pre-operative approach, the investigators evaluate the two-year utilization rate of AVFs and seek to understand why they are still not used in some cases.