On January 14th, 2015, KidneyBuzz.com published an article titled, Wearable Artificial Kidney Update: CKD Human Trial Successful Outcomes & Additional Positions Open, which shared updates on the progress of the Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK) and first hand insights on human trials.
Recommended Reading: Wearable Artificial Kidney Update: CKD Human Trial Successful Outcomes & Additional Positions Open
On the accompanying KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page, the Chronic Kidney Disease Community was asked to weigh-in, "Would you try the WAK?" Quite surprisingly, Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients were split. While some said, "Sign me up!," others were less excited with the idea and stated, "It is too heavy," and "I hope they do not plan on having patients wear that out of the house. It is too bulky."
Recommended Reading: Wearable Artificial Kidney Update: CKD Human Trial Successful Outcomes & Additional Positions Open
The two basic complaints about the Wearable Artificial Kidney were that it is too (1) big and (2) heavy. Lead Wearable Artificial Kidney Researcher, Dr. Victor Gura (Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine of The Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA) said, “The quality of life for Dialysis patients leaves a lot to be desired." Most Dialysis patients would agree, but they are not willing to substitute their current Dialysis Treatments with which they are familiar for something that seems to be more mobile, but also more burdensome.
Recommended Reading: Major Step Forward For Portable Artificial Kidney. First Date Given For When To Expect It On Market
For the first time, Dr. Gura shared his vision for the Wearable Artificial Kidney and hopes that the device can give Dialysis patients "basically their life back," by giving them more freedom. The Wearable Artificial Kidney currently runs continuously on batteries, but weighs 10 pounds which is too heavy for most Dialysis patients. However, Dr. Gura, told the ABC News subsidiary, WAAY 31 TV, that "while the current prototype weighs 10 pounds, they hope to make a smaller, lighter version soon."
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Researchers hope the device will allow patients to walk, shop, or perform other chores while receiving Dialysis. According to Dr. Jonathan Himmelfarb (Director of the Kidney Research Institute at the University of Washington), “The patients will be able to live their lives and move around and not be tethered to a machine while receiving dialysis therapy.” Also, Chronic Kidney Disease patients who conduct Dialysis will require fewer medications and hospital visits while enjoying a more liberal diet. Wouldn't that be great?
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Hence this smaller, lighter version of the Wearable Artificial Kidney could very well give Dialysis patients more freedom and a new "lease on life" as they manage the challenges associated with Kidney Failure. For most patients this would be a welcomed change!
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Would you consider conducting your Dialysis Treatments with a Wearable Artificial Kidney which is smaller and lighter than the current prototype? Click here to share your valued thoughts and opinions on the new Wearable Artificial Kidney device with the other over 16,800 KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page Friends. Also, for the latest breakthroughs about the Wearable Artificial Kidney as well as other major Breaking News and Information which teach those with Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis and Diabetes how to better manage and improve their lives, visit KideyBuzz.com every day.
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References:
"Engineering Update Episode 77: A Portable Artificial Kidney." Https://www.youtube.com. YouTube.
"Wearable Artificial Kidney Hopes to Transform Treatment." Http://www.king5.com. King 5 News.
"Will Artificial Kidney Give Patients More Freedom?"Http://www.waaytv.com/. ABC News Network
"Wearable Artificial Kidney Greenlit For Safety Testing." Http://www.renalandurologynews.com. Renal and Urology News.
"The New Dawn of Dialysis." Http://www.washington.edu. Columns Magazine.