WithdrawnNot Applicable

Collateral Ligation in Failing Fistulas

Stopped: no sufficient patients

United States0Started 2018-05-14

Plain-language summary

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis often fail to become usable due to failure to mature (FTM). The most common cause is narrowing of the artery or vein (stenosis). Another potential cause is the presence of collateral or side branch veins that steal blood flow from the main fistula channel. Some believe that occluding these veins might help maturation of those failing AVFs. To evaluate if this actually works, patients with FTM will be randomly assigned to side branch vein ligation (or not), and rates of AVF maturation of the two groups will be compared.

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: \- Patients with upper extremity autogenous AVF presenting with FTM with evidence of collaterals on ultrasound and/or clinical exam. Exclusion criteria: * Age under 18 years * Pregnant women * Prior endovascular or surgical procedure in the fistula after its creation (with the exception of surgical superficialization or mobilization) * Clinical evidence of infection associated with the AVF * Uncorrectable coagulopathy (International Normalized Radio \>2.5, platelet count \<50.000/μL) * Absence of significant venous side branches on angiogram (defined as those that arise in the initial 10 cm, including the future cannulation zone, and have maximal diameter greater than or equal to one third of the widest diameter of the fistula's main venous channel in this segment).

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

Fistula maturation rate

Timeframe: 8 weeks after randomization

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03365089

SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hemodialysis Access Failure trials