Almost 808,000 people in the United States are living with end-stage renal disease (EDRD). Of these, 69% require dialysis. Dialysis is a life-saving procedure but has essentially remained the same for years.
Fortunately, recent advances in kidney dialysis technology promise to make the process easier. Here is what you need to know about these changes.
One of the biggest improvements in the field of kidney dialysis technology is the creation of more portable devices. There are now backpack-like contraptions that provide patients with more mobility as well as flexibility in their treatment schedules.
Home hemodialysis machines allow patients to receive kidney dialysis right in the comfort of their homes. These devices have intuitive interfaces and remote monitoring capabilities, allowing healthcare providers the chance to keep an eye on patients without having them come in for a visit.
Being able to have more flexible treatments can improve the quality of life of patients while still offering the life-saving procedures they need.
Another important advance in kidney dialysis technology is AI and machine learning, which help to optimize treatment parameters when applied to kidney dialysis machines.
With machine learning and AI, the devices can quickly adapt prescriptions to suit an individual patient’s needs. This offers more personalized care than ever before.
AI-driven analytics also make it possible for healthcare providers to identify potential issues with treatment before there are complications that can endanger the treatment process or the patient.
Researchers have made significant strides in the development of artificial kidneys that could replicate the function of natural kidneys. These bioengineered devices are designed to reduce the reliance on kidney dialysis machines.
One of these is the renal assist device (RAD), which combines a membrane hemofilter with a bioreactor of human renal tubule cells. This device mimics many of the functions of a natural kidney.
The Human Nephron Filter is another type of artificial kidney that relies on nanotechnology. Potentially, it holds the ability to work as a continuously functioning implantable artificial kidney.
This device has two membranes that operate with one device cartridge. One of the membranes functions as the renal tubules, while the other works as the glomerulus.
Another advancement in kidney dialysis technology is hemodiafiltration. This therapy combines the benefits of hemodialysis and hemofiltration by using high flux membranes, a dialysate flow, and transmembrane pressure. It has the potential to be more effective because it removes large and small molecules more efficiently.
Hemodiafiltration has been shown to help reduce dialysis-related issues like accelerated atherosclerosis and amyloidosis. Although hemodiafiltration is still not widely used in the United States, it holds significant promise.
Sorbent devices in dialysis treatment have also become important in recent years. These devices work by direct retention or absorption of specific molecules. Current sorbent particles can remove impurities and toxins from the dialysate during the procedure. Sorbent particles also help in the reuse of dialysate fluids.
Some of the latest research has focused on adding sorbent cartridges to conventional dialysis machines to help improve quality of life.
Telemedicine services have made it possible for more people to receive the kidney care they need, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.
Telemedicine for kidney dialysis care relies on remote medical technology as well as digital communication tools that help providers make necessary changes to treatment even from a distance. It’s become a crucial option for those living in remote locations or rural communities that don’t have local dialysis services.
Science and medicine are always changing. At Orlando Clinical Research Center, we do our part to aid in these advances by offering scientists the chance to hold clinical trials at our facilities.
Currently, we’re running trials on an experimental drug that involves kidney function. Clinical trials give researchers the chance to move their research along and bring new technologies and medications closer to the stage of helping patients.
We have large, state-of-the-art facilities suitable for Phase I through Phase IV clinical trials. To learn more about our research center or to participate in a clinical study, contact us today.
