A state-of-the-art review of the bioartificial renal assist device developed at the University of Michigan, USA

Over the last few decades, conventional haemodialysis has been the most successful choice of treatment for acute renal failure in intensive care units despite the mortality rate of 70 %. However haemodialysis still remains suboptimal as it does not replace all the lost functions of a normal kidney. This thesis reviews an attempt involving cell therapy in combination with haemodialysis. In this method, a bioreactor containing kidney cells is incorporated in a conventional extracorporeal dialysis circuit with the aim of replicating metabolic and endocrine functions of the normal kidney. The thesis focuses on a revolutionary invention called the Renal tubule Assist Device (RAD) which is the result of research and study of a group of scientists led by Dr. H. David Humes in University of Michigan, USA. The thesis starts with an overview of the kidney's anatomy, physiology and fundamentals of the kidney functions. This is followed by explaining the design, mathematical modelling, in vitro/ ex vivo experiments and the first human trial. After reviewing the results of first human trial of the device, we discuss the outcomes, complications, criticisms and the areas of opportunities for further improvements. Finally, it comes to the point where the study stands at the moment, where is it leading in the future and how employing the current technologies and advancements could provide better treatment for patients with renal failure.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters-pg

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Strathclyde

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Sohrabi, Majid

DOI

10.48730/8daj-xy94

Identifier

T13227

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:strathclyde:rr171x21v