The world's first artificial kidney that can mimic almost all vital kindey functions has been created. Indian origin researcher who is making the headlines - Shuvo Roy and his team at the University of California in the US have made what could be the first bio-implantable device, to replace dialysis and even kidney transplantation.
The new kidney device protoype is made up two parts. First is made up of silicon chips that can filter toxins out of the bloodstream. The filtered material is pumped into the second half of the system which is also made up of silicon chips but coated with human kidney cells. These human kidney cells help reabsorb some of the useful substances like sugars and salts back into the body. It also produces vitamin D and helps regulate blood pressure.
"Better over dialysis, even transplants as well. Patients may not require anti-rejection drugs - as is required after transplants because there would be no exposed natural tissues for the immune system to attack," said Dr Alka Bhasin, Nephrologist, Max.
Animal trails have shown good results so far, while human trials are awaited over the next five years.
For the sake of more than a lakh new kidney disease patients every year in India alone and a far larger number on lifelong dialysis - both patients and the medical fraternity the world over, are no doubt, hoping that Dr Roy's invention is successful and to be made available.