Waterless Dialysis System

Early and effective hemodialysis can decrease mortality of trauma patients with acute renal failure. Unfortunately, current technology is not easily deployed in the field or during transport of patients. The Sorbent Hemodialysis (SHD) System now beingdeveloped using technology from Ash Medical utilizes the SORB cartridge to produce and regenerate a small dialysate volume (6 liters). The SHD improvements over current technology that make it intrinsically safer and simpler are pressure-actuated bloodpumping, single- or dual-needle access, sorbent saturation monitor, and automated fluid management. The WDS makes further improvements by reducing total dialysate volume to about 2 liters, improving volumetric UF control, and adding variable bicarbonatebuffering. Ordinary potable water may be used for dialysate; it will be purified by the system before use. The equipment will be made more rugged and hazard resistant for military field applications. The user interface will be customized to therequirements of military healthcare personnel. In Phase 2, we will develop the concepts whose feasibility was demonstrated in Phase 1, to produce a prototype system that will be suitable for testing in a FDA-approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE)clinical trial. Potential commercial applications include trauma victims in military and natural disaster situations. Waterless Dialysis System (WDS) innovations could improve SHD performance in home and acute dialysis. Incorporation of WDS features in SHDsystems may make the SHD useful during patient transport.