Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Innovations in Dialysis

Prior to the 1960s, chronic hemodialysis was limited by vascular access. Pioneers in dialysis technology created the first artificial kidney, chronic vascular access for hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis access. Now it is estimated that 600,000 people in the United States and over 2 million people worldwide receive renal replacement therapy. Unfortunately, there has been limited growth in dialysis technology and fairly stagnant outcomes. As a growing body of literature supports improved outcomes and symptoms management with longer dialysis treatments, innovations in wearable and implantable devices are being developed, as well as new options for creating and maintaining vascular access. As the nephrology community stands on the shoulders of the inventors who came before us, we continue to reach for a future with infinite possibilities to improve kidney care. This article discusses some of the new technology for dialysis care and systems that are supporting innovation in this field.