CompletedNot Applicable

A Study of Routine Versus Selective Use of Ultrasound Scanning Prior to Haemodialysis Fistula Surgery

United Kingdom98 participantsStarted 2010-03

Plain-language summary

Dialysis patients have their blood filtered by a machine as their kidneys no longer work. To get blood in and out of these patients it is possible to perform a surgical procedure to increase to size and durability of a vein in the arm to allow repeated needle insertion. This enlarged vein is called a fistula. There is some evidence that ultrasound scanning the blood vessels in the arm before surgery can improve the chances of a successful procedure. The investigators aim to test whether scanning all patients is better than scanning only those who are difficult to assess by physical examination alone.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Specific inclusion criteria necessary for invitation to study participation; Patients referred to vascular consultants for primary AV fistula formation (or primary fistula in that limb) for haemodialysis access. General inclusion criteria; * Ability to give informed written consent Exclusion Criteria: * Specific exclusion criteria; * Previous arterial or venous surgery/intervention performed on target limb. * Known thrombophilic or thrombotic pathology. * Aged under 18 at time of referral General exclusion criteria; * Inability to give informed written consent * Inability to attend follow up appointments

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Primary failure of access (immediate/early thrombosis or failure to mature).

Timeframe: 30 days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01004627

SponsorHull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2011-11

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More End Stage Renal Failure trials