New Artificial Wearable Kidney Could
Reduce the Need for Dialysis

Researchers are working on an artifical kidney that could help keep PKD patients from relying on fixed dialysis machines.

Xcorporeal Inc. is working on the development of a wearable artificial
kidney. The battery-powered device can work for 4-to-8 hours and works to clean a patient's blood, just like a conventional dialysis machine. The ultimate goal is to have the device work around the clock, eliminating the need for hemodialysis.

The PKD Foundation has issued the following statement regarding the new device:

"Plans to create a Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK) are moving forward. If all goes well, the artificial kidney, created by Xcorporeal, Inc., would provide continuous hemodialysis for those with end stage renal disease, such as PKD patients.

Results from the first human study using the artificial kidney were presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Renal Week in November 2007. Xcorporeal also has a multifunctional renal replacement device to offer cost-effective therapy for those suffering from acute renal failure and plans to commercialize a home hemodialysis machine to offer patients convenient, durable and truly portable options for home use.

According to Lorrie Rome, National Director Scientific Programs, Xcorporeal’s machines are indeed revolutionary due to their ability to offer hemodialysis without the need for dialysate fluids."

Click here to read the full news story on the Wearable Artificial Kidney.