Can an Artificial Kidney Finally Free Patients from Dialysis? (www.ucsf.edu)
from L4s@lemmy.world to technology@lemmy.world on 05 Sep 2023 14:00
https://lemmy.world/post/4494306

Can an Artificial Kidney Finally Free Patients from Dialysis?::undefined

#technology

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tony@lemmy.hoyle.me.uk on 05 Sep 2023 14:28 next collapse

I have my doubts… kidneys are complex beasts, which is why even dialysis doesn’t entirely replace them (it stops you dying, which is nice, but lots of systems get fucked up).

meggied90@lemm.ee on 05 Sep 2023 15:47 collapse

Based on the article, the device will host actual kidney cells - I’m sure it won’t be as effective as having your own original kidney, especially in it’s early prototypes, but hopefully it’ll be better than mere dialysis.

Even if the device was just a glorified portable dialysis machine though, that would still be a significant quality of life improvement for those on dialysis. With dialysis you’re locally tethered to the dialysis clinic because you need weekly treatments, until you eventually die or win the kidney lottery. With a portable machine you could hopefully travel, see the world and visit family more.

Be kind to your kidneys everyone, drink enough water! You don’t want a life without efficient kidneys.

tony@lemmy.hoyle.me.uk on 05 Sep 2023 16:05 collapse

You’re not really tied these days because PD exists (and where that’s not possibly they’ll install dialysis machines in homes), but yeah a quality of life improvement to just have a portable thing.

SpikesOtherDog@ani.social on 06 Sep 2023 01:18 collapse

I read this as dyslexia. I was so outraged that I read it to my wife. I was very much wrong.