UW testing first-of-its-kind portable kidney dialysis machine
Sep 16, 2014, 12:39 PM | Updated: 5:31 pm
John Kundzins of the Kidney Research Institute in Seattle models the Wearable Artificial Kidney. (Photo: Stephen Brashear)
(Photo: Stephen Brashear)
The University of Washington has the go-ahead for the first human safety trial of a portable, wearable kidney dialysis machine.
The Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK) is a 10 pound, battery-operated device that’s worn like a tool belt.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the trial, set to begin this fall.
Dialysis is needed three times a week with sessions lasting three to four hours. The WAK allows patients to walk around or even shop during treatment. The trial will happen at UW Medical Center in Seattle with up to 16 local patients, according to a news release.
The device, in development for more than 10 years, cannot be marketed until it is evaluated for safety and fully tested, said the UW.
The device being tested is a prototype and developers expect that updated versions will be streamlined and lighter.
