Ultrasound Prediction of Successful Balloon Assisted AVF Maturation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prediction of successful arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation post balloon assisted fistuloplasty with duplex ultrasound and inflammatory biomarkers
IRAS ID
346988
Contact name
Luke Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Formation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a common procedure for patients requiring haemodialysis, or external cleaning of the blood, due to kidney failure. Surgically connecting an artery and vein in the arm creates a high flow access to support cleaning of the blood. For this to happen, AVFs require a period known as maturation. However, some AVFs fail to mature on their own. In some instances, another procedure may be performed to improve the chances of it maturing. This is known as balloon assisted maturation (BAM). Not all BAM procedures successfully result in maturation, therefore this study is concerned with looking for changes after the procedure which may allow for prediction of which AVFs will, or will not, mature. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is a safe and readily available form of imaging that enables assessment of blood flow, and is ideal for serial scans during the crucial maturation phase. In addition to blood flow changes, the study will analyse changes in inflammatory biomarkers in the blood to see how this affects the success of BAM and maturation.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0247
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion