Transportable, portable, wearable and (partially) implantable haemodialysis systems: comparison of technologies and readiness levels

Abstract

Background: Dialysis modalities and their various treatment schedules result from complex compromises ('trade-offs') between medical, financial, technological, ergonomic, and ecological factors. This study targets summarizing the mutual influence of these trade-offs on (trans)portable, wearable, or even (partially) implantable haemodialysis (HD) systems, identify what systems are in development, and how they might improve quality of life (QoL) for patients with kidney failure. Methods: HD as defined by international standard IEC 60601-2-16 was applied on a PUBMED database query regarding (trans)portable, wearable, and (partly) implantable HD systems. Out of 159 search results, 24 were included and scanned for specific HD devices and/or HD systems in development. Additional information about weight, size, and development status was collected by the internet and/or contacting manufacturers. International airplane hand baggage criteria formed the boundary between transportable and portable. Technology readiness levels (TRLs) were assigned by combining TRL scales from the European Union and NATO medical staff. Results: The query revealed 13 devices/projects: seven transportable (six TRL9, one TRL5); two portable (one TRL6-7, one TRL4); two wearable (one TRL6, one frozen); and two partly implantable (one TRL4-5, one TRL2-3). Discussion: Three main categories of technical approaches were distinguished: single-pass, dialysate regenerating, and implantable HD filter with extracorporeal dialysate regeneration (in climbing order of mobility). Conclusions: Kidneys facilitate mobility by excreting strongly concentrated waste solutes with minimal water loss. Mimicking this kidney function can increase HD system mobility. Dialysate-regenerating HD systems are enablers for portability/wearability and, combined with durable implantable HD filters (once available), they may enable HD without needles or intravascular catheters. However, lack of funding severely hampers progress.