The hemofilter module will process incoming blood to create a watery ultrafiltrate which contains sugars, salts and dissolved toxins. The bioreactor consisting of kidney cells processes the ultrafiltrate and then returns the sugar and salt back into the blood. Water is then reabsorbed back into the body in this process which also concentrates the ultrafiltrate into urine that is then sent to the bladder for elimination. This means it works exactly like a human kidney.
Image Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Preclinical testing is already underway for the bioreactor while pre-trials for the hemofilter have been completed. The latest statement by the kidney project on its Facebook page reads “Results from preclinical testing of the Hemofilter are encouraging. We have successfully implanted the Hemofilter component into large animal models for up to 1 month. The animals responded well, without serious complications. We have collected enough preclinical data to apply for our first clinical trial and are waiting for approval for our first application.”
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The kidney project team is seeking to progress to full device implantation in humans by late 2018. After all trials are over, the device will be made available to public where the final stage of human clinical trials is expected to finish by 2020. This depends on funding and no unexpected drawbacks.
Image Source: www.telegraphindia.com