"Hemodialysis Access Surveillance Evaluation (HASE) Study", Patricia Larrieu Briones, DNP, PI

"Hemodialysis Access Surveillance Evaluation (HASE) Study" (Co-Investigator) Hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction contributes directly to morbidity and mortality and adds to the cost of medical care of dialysis patients.


A surveillance approach of arteriovenous fistulas or arteriovenous grafts is recommended by The National Kidney Foundation Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI). However, studies with small sample sizes and suboptimal design have questioned the validity to support its use. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of using ultrasound dilution technique (UDT) (Transonic) as surveillance on vascular access thrombosis, cumulative access patency, need for tunneled hemodialysis catheters and hospitalization in patients on chronic hemodialysis. The study is a randomized prospective multicenter clinical trial to evaluate whether monthly surveillance flow measurement using Transonic system or physical examination of the arteriovenous access by a qualified person (nurse) will reduce the rate of thrombosis. The intervention will take place at least once a month for a period of 2 years. This study is currently in progress with patients enrolled at five centers. This study is funded by Transonic.