New Technology Could Improve Dialysis

[okarol]

Jan 30, 2007 11:20 am US/Eastern

New Technology Could Improve Dialysis
 
Kellye Lynn
WJZ 13’s Healthwatch Reporter

(WJZ) Currently, most of the 350,000 Americans on dialysis spend 15-20 hours a week hooked to machines in clinics, but nano-technology could take the treatment home and give patients longer, healthier lives.

At least three times a week, Jeff Pratt stops everything in his life to take care of his health. Jeff's kidneys don't work; he relies on a dialysis machine to clear up his toxins.

Most patients with end-stage kidney failure spend a good part of their lives in a dialysis clinic, but this little slip of plastic could change that, replacing the traditional dialyzer with nanotechnology.

Patients could do dialysis at home, even if they are asleep. More importantly, the makers of home dialysis say more frequent slower blood cleansing could extend the five-year life expectancy of dialysis patients indefinitely.

New funding could allow home dialysis machines available in two years, giving patients like Jeff new freedoms and health.

This new technology is about the size of a backpack.

URL: http://wjz.com/local/local_story_030112744.html

[Epoman]

"More importantly, the makers of home dialysis say more frequent slower blood cleansing could extend the five-year life expectancy of dialysis patients indefinitely."

Damn I hate how news agencies spread inaccurate statisitcs. 5 year life expectancy huh! And who are the "Makers" of Home Dialysis. 

But anyway, I hate teasers like this, why don't they show images of the device or at least give some detail about how this "Backpack" works. The term Nano-Technology is thrown around way to much.

[tamara]

"More importantly, the makers of home dialysis say more frequent slower blood cleansing could extend the five-year life expectancy of dialysis patients indefinitely."

Damn I hate how news agencies spread inaccurate statisitcs. 5 year life expectancy huh! And who are the "Makers" of Home Dialysis.

But anyway, I hate teasers like this, why don't they show images of the device or at least give some detail about how this "Backpack" works. The term Nano-Technology is thrown around way to much.

RE the 5 year life expectancy

Gee, can I at least make it to 40 please.................................(in 5 years i'll be 38) LOL