A novel automated device provides a home peritoneal dialysis (PD) option for the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

The AMIA Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) system is intended to help patients manage PD in their home, at a time of day that is convenient for them, helping them clean the blood of toxins and remove extra fluids through the peritoneal membrane. The APD system works by first instilling PD fluid through a conduit into the peritoneal cavity; electrolyte and glucose concentrations in the fluid create a hyperosmolar environment, which normalizes plasma electrolyte concentrations by osmosis and diffusion across the peritoneal membrane.

The osmotic gradient created in the peritoneal cavity causes toxic substances, metabolites, and extracellular fluid in the blood to cross the peritoneal membrane and into the dialyzing fluid. After a period of time, the fluid is drained by gravity from the cavity. The system provides patient-centric features such as voice guidance, a touchscreen control panel, and a two-way connectivity platform called ShareSource, which allows physicians to access patients’ historical treatment data and deliver individual prescriptions remotely.

The system also features animated graphics and automated step-by-step instructions to increase the efficiency of home therapy training and administration for ESRD patients. The AMIA APD system, a product of Baxter International (Deerfield, IL, USA; www.baxter.com) was developed in collaboration with DEKA Research and Development Corporation (DEKA; Manchester, MN, USA), the company founded by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Enabling patients to actively work with their healthcare providers to initiate and confidently manage their dialysis therapy is the ultimate goal in the development of AMIA with ShareSource,” said Bruce Culleton, MD, vice president of renal therapeutic area at Baxter. “Baxter's focus is to understand and support access to the best renal replacement options for all patients, and then bring technology like AMIA and ShareSource to healthcare providers so they can help their patients achieve their best possible outcomes.”

“Peritoneal dialysis is an important treatment option for many patients with kidney disease seeking home-based therapy,” said Jaime Uribarri, MD, of the department of nephrology at Mt. Sinai Hospital (New York, NY, USA). “We welcome new technology that allows patients to start and administer their physician-prescribed PD therapy at home.”

Related Links:
Baxter International
DEKA Research and Development Corporation