Passive Flow Dialysis
A current major focus is on developing simple methods of hemodialysis for areas in which resources are limited and reliable electricity is not available. Specific ongoing projects include development of:
- A dialysate delivery system that will propel dialysate at a constant rate through the dialyzer with no net ultrafiltration.
- A device for removal of a controlled quantity of ultrafiltrate, adjustable as required.
- A heat exchanger for recovering waste heat from spent dialysate to warm incoming dialysate.
Once these challenges are overcome, later projects will deal with blood access and harnessing arterial or fistula pressure to power blood flow through the dialyzer. Redesign of dialyzers may be required to permit adequate blood flow at the pressures that are available.
