World’s First

World’s First Implantable Artificial Kidney Device by Indian Researcher

by Dr Trupti Shirole on  December 07, 2010 at 7:27 PM

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The first bio-implantable artificial kidney device in the world has been developed by a bio-engineering specialist of Indian origin researcher- Shuvo Roy and his team at the University of California in the US. This world's first artificial kidney can mimic almost all the vital functions of the kidney. It not only filters toxins but performs all the metabolic and hormonal functions of a normal kidney. If this device passes human trials, it could possibly eliminate the need for kidney dialysis and kidney transplant.

The new artificial kidney device is the size of a coffee cup and comprises of two parts- filter and cellular side. The first part filters the toxins from the bloodstream and is made up of silicon chips. This filtered blood is then pumped into the second part of the device which is also made up of silicon chips and is coated with a single type of human kidney cells. These renal cells help to reabsorb some of the water, sugar and salt back into the body, produce vitamin D and regulate the blood pressure. The waste products are directed through a tube that is attached to the urinary bladder and then excreted as urine. 

"Better over dialysis, even transplants as well. Patients may not require anti-rejection drugs - as is required after transplants because there would be no exposed natural tissues for the immune system to attack," said Dr Alka Bhasin, Nephrologist, Max. Human trials will be conducted over the next five to seven years. Animal trials have shown good results so far. Patients and the medical fraternity all over the world are hoping that Dr. Roy’s invention is successful and soon made available so that it will help patients in the final stage of chronic kidney disease and patients who are on lifelong dialysis. 

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