Implantable Artificial Kidney: An Introduction

Abstract

Since 1970, kidney failure treatments have remained limited to dialysis and transplants, with dialysis impacting quality of life and transplants facing organ shortages. To address this, The Kidney Project and UCLA researchers are developing implantable artificial kidneys (IAK)—one bioartificial and one fully mechanical. These innovations aim to reduce dialysis dependence and improve patient independence. Despite challenges like biocompatibility and funding, researchers hope to introduce these life-changing devices by the 2030s.