Med Tech: Trend towards home dialysis systems examined

Ten years ago it would not have been technologically possible. But today home dialysis systems are transforming the way many patients with kidney failure receive their care. Newer hemodialysis systems are about the size of a suitcase, much smaller than the older generation which took up the space of a refrigerator. That makes it possible for patients to receive dialysis at home. The FDA has approved new models from Aksys and NxStage Medical. In Southern California, Kaiser Permanente has launched a new program in which about 20 percent of dialysis patients have been moved to home-based care. So far, the results are promising. Kaiser estimates savings may be between $10,000 and $20,000 per patient.

- see this story from the San Francisco Chronicle

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