Due to start clinical trials shortly with a potential for release to the market soon after in late 2011, a new UK developed dialysis machine is set to arrive. The unit developed by Quanta aims to provide a small, efficient and neat solution for those wishing to dialyse at home.
The unit, developed as a result of breakthrough work aided by the D4D co-operative and other experts, will be considerably smaller than conventional machines used in hospital, but it is being developed with a view to being as efficient.
One drawback at this stage as I see it is that it still requires a reverse osmosis water supply which adds to the equipment in the home, where the NxStage does not. But, this machine is designed to be able to operate virtually ‘on demand’ so that will prove useful to many, and given size and potential ease of use, will make home haemo a much more realistic prospect for many.
Personally, I am still waiting a simple solution that allows me to dialyse in rented accommodation so I do not have to have the works required to accommodate home haemo in a property that is not mine. I still believe that the NxStage allows that for me, so long as my dialysis consultants agree – which on recent debates suggests may not be the case.
There is a case for a varied solution on home haemo for different patients (within reasonable and economic constraints) to cater for different capabilties and facilities of the patient. As in many walks of life, a ‘one size fits all’ does not always work.
I wait with interest……
