Field trial of compact travel dialysis system

To increase mobility for home hemodialysis patients, a portable, light weight hemodialysis system has been bench and field tested. The combination of a 21 L dialysate reservoir and small, high speed blood and dialysate pumps has permitted the entire system to be contained in a twenty two pound, 22 X 13 X 6 inch aluminum suitcase. Initial evaluation in hospitalized patients has shown the system to be safe and efficient. Acceptable clearances of creatinine and urea are maintained throughout a five hour dialysis by changing the bath at 120 and 210 minutes. Successful application of the system in travel by 3 patients, who perfomed a total of 12 dialyses in their hotel rooms while on vacation, indicates the broad potential of the new system.