Abstract: SA-OR025
Robotic Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Guided Tomographic Ultrasonography: Breakthrough in Haemodialysis Access Planning
Session Information
- Dialysis Vascular Access: From Basic Discovery to Translational Science
November 08, 2025 | Location: Room 342D, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 05:30 PM - 05:40 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 803 Dialysis: Vascular Access
Authors
- Broumand, Varshasb, South Texas Renal Care Group, San Antonio, Texas, United States
- Thomas, Shannon Dean, Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Block, Geoff, US Renal Care Inc, Decatur, Georgia, United States
- Mizani, Mohammad R., South Texas Renal Care Group, San Antonio, Texas, United States
- Colley, Eamonn, Vexev, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Carroll, John, Vexev, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Background
Ultrasound mapping improves vascular access (VA) outcomes in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but timely access is often limited. The VxWave Ultrasound Imaging System is a novel semi-autonomous robotic tomographic ultrasound (RTU) device designed to deliver high-quality vascular scans and reports.
Methods
A multicenter, prospective observational study (CANSCAN) evaluated the feasibility of dialysis staff performing RTU scans on ESRD patients using the VxWave System, and whether scan data yielded sufficient information to inform VA strategies. Staff at 3 centers were trained to position patient's arms in the VxWave System. Patients with CKD 4/5 and no prior upper limb access were enrolled. Primary endpoints: (1) scan success rate, (2) scans sufficient for access planning (per 3 VA specialists), and (3) access eligibility. Secondary endpoints: presence of venous trunks (>2 mm), mean vessel diameters, time to report, staff compliance, and user satisfaction scores.
Results
Of 115 patients, 109 (95%) had successful scans, all rated adequate by ≥2 vascular access specialists. Forearm AVF was suitable in 24% (100% radiocephalic), upper arm AVF in 90% (86% brachiobasilic, 62% brachiocephalic), Gracz/percutaneous AVF in 61%, AVG in 98%, and no viable option in 14%. Mean scan time was ~21 minutes/arm (SD 1min 42s). Staff reported high workflow feasibility and integration. No serious adverse events or unexpected device effects occurred.
Conclusion
VxWave-enabled semi-autonomous vascular scans by non-imaging trained dialysis staff are feasible, efficient, and yield actionable data. Future studies will assess diagnostic accuracy, long-term access outcomes, and broader use in diverse dialysis settings.
Arterial and Venous Anatomy
| Segment | N, MD, SD, %>2mm |
| Forearm Veins | |
| ● Cephalic Vein ● Median Antecubital Extension Vein ● Basilic Vein | 56,2.6mm±0.9mm,17% 86,3.3mm±1.0mm,52% 83,3.0mm ±0.9mm,33% |
| Antecubital Veins | |
| ● Perforating Vein ● Median Antecubital Cephalic Vein ● Median Antecubital Basilic Vein | 98,3.4mm±0.9mm,90% 88,4.3mm±1.0mm,82% 96,4.0mm ±0.6mm,84% |
| Upper Arm Veins | |
| ● Cephalic Vein ● Basilic Vein ● Brachial Vein | 85,3.5mm±1.2mm,60% 99,4.8mm ±1.4mm,78% 104,2.4mm ±1.1mm,89% |
| Brachial Artery NB: 5 patients with high bifurcation at axilla excluded | 104,5.4mm±1.4mm |
| Radial Artery | 109,3.1mm±0.8mm |
| Ulnar Artery | 109,3.4mm ±0.9mm |
Number of subjects measured(N),mean diameter(MD),standard deviation(SD),% of veins >2mm across all segments
Funding
- Commercial Support – Vexev Pty Ltd