Robotic Ultrasound for Dialysis Patients Advances with Completion of CANSCAN Trial

Vexev, an Australian medical device innovator, and U.S. Renal Care, a major U.S. dialysis provider, have announced the successful completion of patient enrollment for the CANSCAN clinical trial (NCT06691672). This groundbreaking feasibility study evaluated the VxWave Ultrasound Imaging System—a semi-autonomous, AI-driven device—for its effectiveness in arteriovenous (AV) fistula mapping in dialysis clinics. With 120 patients enrolled across multiple centers, the study marks a major step toward revolutionizing vascular imaging in kidney care.

Dr. Varshi Broumand, Interventional Nephrologist at South Texas Renal Care Group and Principal Investigator for the CANSCAN study, emphasized the practical implications: “The VxWave ultrasound system may remove one of the biggest hurdles in the creation of vascular access. Patients could have vascular mapping conducted in their dialysis facility, enabling a more efficient way to obtain a permanent vascular access point.” He added that performing scans during regular dialysis visits could eliminate the need for patients to attend additional imaging appointments, making AV fistula mapping more convenient and timely.

An AV fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, typically in the arm, which serves as a reliable access point for patients undergoing dialysis. It facilitates high blood flow, essential for effectively filtering toxins during treatment. Traditionally, AV fistula mapping requires separate imaging sessions, often causing delays in care.

The VxWave Ultrasound Imaging System offers a transformative solution. Combining robotics, machine learning, and advanced ultrasound processing, the system creates a comprehensive 3D vascular model and detailed clinical report—right at the point of care. This system is specifically engineered for upper limb vascular imaging and designed to function with minimal operator involvement.

“Validating this concept is the first step toward a future where intelligent machines can perform high-precision medical imaging without a human hand on the probe,” said Dr. Shannon Thomas, Chief Medical Officer at Vexev. “The potential for a robotic system guided by AI, delivering real clinical value—it’s not science fiction anymore. The real excitement begins when this can change lives, not just lab results.”

Dr. Geoffrey A. Block, Associate Chief Medical Officer and SVP of Clinical Research & Medical Affairs at U.S. Renal Care, echoed this optimism, highlighting the clinical significance: “The CANSCAN trial of the VxWave Ultrasound Imaging System opens the possibility of integrating semi-autonomous ultrasound imaging into our workflow and improving patient outcomes, by allowing patients to receive life-saving permanent vascular access placed in the optimal location, as quickly as possible.”

The completion of enrollment in CANSCAN marks a pivotal moment for semi-autonomous imaging technology in nephrology. If successful, the VxWave system could not only streamline workflow within dialysis centers but also reduce barriers to timely care, offering patients faster, safer access to critical treatments.

As the trial progresses toward analyzing results, the medical community is watching closely. The fusion of robotics and AI in a real-world clinical setting could herald a new era in vascular access planning—and bring scalable, high-precision imaging closer to everyday care.