A new wearable device for continuous dialysis treatment
Official title: Novel Sheet-Membrane Dialyzer for Wearable Hemodialysis
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10874664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, smaller wearable dialysis device that uses super-thin membranes to help people with End Stage Renal Disease clean their blood more effectively, giving them the freedom to manage their treatment in a way that fits better into their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $293,255 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK126901-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874664 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease who require regular dialysis treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage kidney disease or those who do not require dialysis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel wearable hemodialysis system that utilizes ultrathin nanoporous membranes to improve the efficiency of toxin removal in patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). By creating a smaller and more efficient device, the goal is to allow patients to undergo continuous dialysis in a more flexible manner, enhancing their quality of life. The approach involves using advanced silicon-based membranes that are significantly thinner than traditional dialysis membranes, which could lead to better clinical outcomes. Patients will benefit from more frequent and effective dialysis without the constraints of conventional center-based treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide ESRD patients with a more convenient and effective way to manage their condition through continuous dialysis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing wearable dialysis systems, but this approach with ultrathin membranes is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Dean G — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Dean G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Simulator-based training to improve dialysis needle skills for patients with kidney failure
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Implanted dialysis device for safe, easy at-home hemodialysis
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Improving how patients choose their hemodialysis access
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IVUS in AV access dysfunction for hemodialysis patients
A new approach tests whether using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in people with failing AV fistulas or grafts improves diagnosis and guides treatment to prevent more blockages.
-
StepNet-Adapt: a personalized mobile program to boost activity for people on dialysis
A personalized mobile health program uses wearables, texts, and coaching to help people on hemodialysis become more physically active.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.