CONtinuous Implantable DOppler Probe Monitoring in Renal Transplantation

INTRODUCTION Vascular complications in kidney transplantation constitute one-third of the early graft loss (EGL) that can be prevented by timely diagnosed cases. A vascular monitoring device may have a possible role in the early identification of graft hypoperfusion critical to reducing graft loss.AIM To evaluate the feasibility of an Implantable Doppler probe as a vascular monitoring device in kidney transplant patients and by obtaining the vital information, inform the protocol development of a definitive RCT.METHODS AND ANALYSIS A mixed-method research design is selected. The quantitative study will comprise a feasibility RCT (fRCT) that will compare demographical characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients that will undergo kidney transplant surgery with vascular monitoring device (intervention group, n=25) against those with standard care clinical observation (control group, n=25). Descriptive statistics will be used to summarise the results that will assess the vascular monitoring capability of implantable Doppler probe in the early postoperative period of kidney transplant patients. The results will provide estimates for surgical outcomes essential to inform the sample size calculation for the definitive study. Information related to the fluency of research methods, availability of research resources, management support, potential challenges faced during the fRCT will be compiled to generate realistic estimates of important parameters for the definitive study. The results will be following the CONSORT updated guidelines for reporting feasibility studies.Qualitative semi-structured interviews of stakeholders (n=12) recruited by purposive sampling will be conducted to explore their experiences of participating in the study, acquire suggestions regarding application of implantable Doppler probe monitoring, and the post implantation patient care. All interviews will be audio-recorded with verbatim transcription. Data will be analysed following the six-phase guide to doing thematic analysis in the NVivo software. The results will be reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.IMPACT It is anticipated that this study will also elaborate on a possible role of implantable Doppler probe monitoring to improve kidney transplant patient safety, graft survival, service quality improvement, and financial savings in the NHS.

Inclusion Criteria:Patients who will have deceased or living kidney donor transplantsPatients aged 18 years or above.Patients able and willing to comply with the trial requirementsExclusion Criteria:Patients who will have a kidney transplant with more than two arteries (evident at the time of surgery).Patients below 18 years of age.Patients lacking capacity or unwilling to give consent.