The Future of Technology-Based Kidney Replacement Therapies: An Update on Portable, Wearable, and Implantable Artificial Kidneys
Worldwide, the number of people who need lifesaving kidney replacement therapy (KRT) steadily increases, but approximately two thirds of them lack access to KRT and therefore die. Access to KRT depends on economic, social, infrastructural, ecological, and political factors. Current KRTs include kidney transplant, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis. The field of xenotransplantation has been opening promising new perspectives recently but needs improvement. Unfortunately, not all patients are suitable for transplant.
