The Artificial Kidney By Timothy Lindis

The Kidneys Pair of small organs located in lower back Play crucial role in urinary system Other functions include : homeostasis, electrolyte balance, and blood pressure Bean shaped appearance, concave and convex sides

Parts of Kidney Outer and inner parts Outer is called the renal capsule Inner is called the medulla Medulla made up of many sections called medullary pyramids Central part called the calyx Also has ureter tube which drains urine

Main Functions Retain water, electrolytes, and salts while removing urea and wastes from the bloodstream Electrolyte balance is maintained Activation for erythropoietin: a hormone that helps produce red blood cells

Solutions for bad kidneys Primary: Organ transplant which offers the best health and quality of life Dialysis: which is the clinical purification of blood Dialysis patients have a poor survival and a low quality of life Final and newest option is the artificial kidney

The Artificial Kidney Project Very new device and is not on the market yet No price set on it yet Inventor Dr. Shuvo Roy of UCFS says it will be the same or a little less than a kidney transplant

The Artificial Kidney Project Expected to last at least a decade with minor tune ups Technology: Miniaturization of hemofilter, filter process enabled by high efficiency membrane technology powered by semiconductor

Technologies Continued Blood compatibility enabled by thin polymer coating Cell bioreactor enabled by isolation of renal tubule cells Capability to provide the functions associated with proximal tubule cells Can also reclaim electrolytes, salt, and glucose

Preliminary Test Large scale non implantable version was tested and was successful Proved the hemofilter and bioreactor can function correctly Smaller versions are being worked on and tested Tested on sheep, pigs and rodents First clinical trials set for 2017

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Bibliography implantable-artificial-kidney-interview-with- ucsfs-dr-shuvo-roy.html implantable-artificial-kidney-interview-with- ucsfs-dr-shuvo-roy.html yourkidneys/ yourkidneys/ kidney.htm kidney.htm