Advances in Portable Kidney dialysis/wearable-implantable kidney

[obsidianom]

The following is a summary of an article (6 pages of detail) on the current and future of wearable and implantable kidneys . It is not far off.
Kidney International

Achieving More Frequent and Longer Dialysis for the Majority

Wearable Dialysis and Implantable Artificial Kidney Devices

William H Fissell, Shuvo Roy, Andrew Davenport
Disclosures
Kidney Int. 2013;84(2):256-264.


Abstract and Introduction
Continuous Wearable PD Devices
Continuous Wearable Hemodialysis Devices
The Implantable Artificial Kidney
Design Specification for an Implantable Artificial Kidney
Summary
References



Summary

Although it has taken more than 50 years to develop a prototype of a truly wearable artificial kidney for the treatment of patients with CKD5d, two devices based on current hemodialysis and PD paradigms are currently embarking on clinical trials. How successful these devices are will depend not only on their efficacy in terms of solute removal but also their ability to maintain electrolyte, acid–base and volume homeostasis, patient acceptance, and costs. It may well be that these treatments are not suitable for all patients, but could potentially offer more patients the advantages of both more frequent and longer dialysis treatments than current in-center-based hemodialysis programs, with improved quality of life for patients. Implantable devices on the other hand potentially offer a treatment solution for the majority, and over the past few years key proof-of-concept experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of each component of an implanted artificial kidney comprising a novel 'glomerular' membrane technology, optimizing membrane separation process coupled with a bioreactor of living cells harvesting energy, and solute reabsorption from the 'glomerular' membrane's plasma ultrafiltrate, recapitulating nephron anatomy.
 
We are therefore potentially at a crossroads for new paradigms for the treatment of CKD5d patients with wearable and implantable devices on the near and far horizon, respectively, that could in the future not only improve patient survival but also the quality of life.




« Previous Page

Section 6 of 6

 

[Bambino_Bear]

 

[Joe]

These will be fantastic when they get them perfected.

[obsidianom]

Based on my reading of the article I do believe we will see portable units soon as they are already being tested . The big issue is of course ACCESS to the blood without clotting or in infection. The implantable kidney replacement would be the better choice in the long run. It would hook up directly to the iliac artery so access would be simple and internal. The technology is close and hopefully will be tested in a few years. It gives us all hope. 

[MooseMom]

Oh yeah, we've been reading about WAKs and Dr. Roy for some time now.  I do believe that this is "doable" technology; it has to be because incenter dialysis as we know it is just not sustainable in my opinion.