3D printing technology has entered the medical field, particularly in orthopedics. For example, through 3D printing technology, it is possible to create highly precise and personalized bone prosthetics that are best suited for patients, which can better assist doctors in handling some difficult cases.
Therefore, many kidney patients are very concerned about this issue! Since we can print such precise bones, it is entirely possible to print a kidney! If this can be achieved, it would definitely be a blessing for kidney patients!
However, we know that unlike bones, the intricate structure and function of the kidneys are very complex. There are still many technical challenges to overcome before 3D printing can successfully develop an artificial kidney that can replace a human kidney. This includes a recent report from a research team at the ASN Kidney Week in the United States, which announced their latest research results: they can create a living membrane that mimics the function of human renal tubules.
Currently, these implantable artificial kidneys are still under exploration, but there are still many medical challenges that remain unsolved. Therefore, they are only in the research and development stage, and it may take a long time to achieve substantial results.
But!
But!
Currently, there is a wearable convenient artificial kidney that has been approved for human trials by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The China Central Television (CCTV) has also reported on it:
This wearable artificial kidney was developed by a research team at the University of California, Los Angeles. Currently, this device weighs 4.5 kilograms and can be worn around the waist, allowing for free movement. It connects to the human blood vessels through a catheter. The lead developers expect that this device could be widely used in clinical settings within 5 years.
When applied clinically, it should be more convenient than the current version we see!
In today’s rapidly advancing technology, kidney patients should remain optimistic and live happily! We have every reason to believe that new technologies will change the fate of our dialysis and transplant patients in the near future!
Kidney Online
To learn more about the kidney disease popular science created by a team of doctors from Peking University,
Follow the WeChat public account: Kidney Online
If you have any medical inquiries, click the blue text at the end of the article to read the original text and download our mobile kidney doctor APP.
↓↓↓