The Artificial Kidney

While dialysis has proven to be very successful in prolonging the lives of those with kidney failure, it has its shortcomings with regard to providing regulation of glucose and water concentration in the blood. Also, the hormonal responses of the kidney are not present in dialysis. The University of Michigan is developing a device called a Renal Tubule Assist Device that would be added to dialysis. While this device is still used outside the body, researchers feel that with advancements in tissue engineering it will soon be possible to fully implant an artificial kidney. The RTAD functions with the help of active kidney cells lining hollow fibers within the device. This live cellular presence assists in more efficiently reabsorbing vital substances such as glucose and water, as well as producing other important molecules. The patient is thus able to properly maintain fluid balance and fight infections. They are hopeful that one day they will combine this research with others to create an artificial ‘universal donor’ kidney.

http://www.medicineatmichigan.org/magazine/2000/summer/huron/10huron.asp