A portable dialysis machine called the Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK) is now on the fast track for FDA review within a few years. The status is the result of a clinical trial involving seven ESRD patients undergoing dialysis using the WAK for 24 hours. The device is worn like a tool belt and attached to the patient with a catheter. Researchers say the WAK successfully cleaned the patients’ blood while keeping the fluid and electrolyte levels in a safe range.
Patients did not experience any adverse side effects. Since the WAK works continuously, patients were also able to eat a non-restricted diet in the time frame of the trial. While more work is needed on the WAK for technical issues, researchers say the trial’s results are significant in the device’s development.
