The UCSF researchers are working on a prototype model of an implanted artificial kidney. It is done in order to address the problem of the need for a kidney transplant that arises from renal complications.
“The device would include thousands of microscopic filters as well as a bioreactor to mimic the metabolic and water-balancing roles of a real kidney is in the process of development. This is undertaken by a collaborative effort by engineers, biologists and physicians nationwide led by Shuvo Roy, PhD in the UCSF Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Science” (University of California 2010).
They are working on shrinking the device to a smaller size equivalent to a coffee cup. This will improve its portability in humans as it can be implanted in the human body.
Over 500,000 infected people rely on kidney transplants, which are not readily available. One has to wait for his or her turn on a waiting list. Many patients cannot wait for their turn and die before they can get a donor. Others have to use dialyses which are costly and work on a tight schedule. A patient that needs dialysis will have to use approximately $75000 per year for the treatment. Dialysis is exhausting, and only 35 percent makes it for up to 5 years; others die due to complications that arise.
Again, the use of advanced tissue engineering to generate cells that help perform the normal function of a healthy kidney is fundamental in this endeavor. The process is self-sustaining in the human body, as it does not need external supply of power to pump the blood.
The researchers from ten teams are working on this project. The first phase of the project involves testing the device on an animal specimen after the size reduction has been succeed. The second phase involves developing a device that fits to the human body. They have the visual design, and seek federal and private support to implement the research.
Strengths
The research shows that they have been able to reduce the size of the artificial Kidney from a room size device to a coffee cup size. This improves the chances of the device being fitted in the human body, and thus the patient will not be confined to the hospital bed. While implanting the device, there will be no need for immune suppressants medication that takes toll on the human life. This will help the patient live a normal life. The research if implemented and successful will reduce the time a patient has to wait to get a donor and thus, will help save many lives. It will reduce the medical cost of healthcare not only in the US but globally.
Weaknesses
The research does not show as any complications that may arise once the device has been fitted in the human body. How long will a patient be able to live with the device? The device may fail to cause the patient to be hospitalized. There may be no other chances to use an alternative remedy as the new process may affect the patient. The article does not shed light on the cost of the research and the probable cost of implanting the new device to serve as a kidney in the human body. The article should indicate whether the cost of the new implant is equivalent to the cost of a normal kidney transplant. The questions in the readers mind may include:
- How did the animal specimen respond to the medication?
- How long did I take to heal and function normally?
- Were there any complications in the surgery?
- What is the projected life span of the artificial kidney implant?
- What are the side effects of the surgery?
There is the need to explore other articles to convince him or her on the details of the artificial kidney. The benefits are laid out clearly, unlike the disadvantages.
Reference
University of California (2010). Science Daily in Model of Implantable artificial kidney to replace dialysis unveiled. Web.