ABSTRACT
Background: The maintenance of blood fluidity in the extracorporeal circuit during hemodialysis (HD) often requires systemic anticoagulation. While effective, these anticoagulants cause bleeding, have other side effects, cannot be used in critically ill patients and in the peri-operative period, and add to costs. We recently described a novel mecahnical rotational approach to anticoagulation-free HD using the "Locke-Onuigbo" maneuver (Figure 1).1 Methods: Prototype Completion: In collaboration with the University of Vermont Center for Biomedical Innovation (UVM CBI), five Senior Engineering students from the UVM, under the supervision of Yves Dubief PhD, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, UVM, the first author and his Home Dialysis Program at the UVM Medical Center, have successfully prototyped an AI-modulated hemodialysis filter rotator that enables anticoagulation-free HD using the NxStage HD machine (Figure 2). Result(s): The Hemodialysis Filter Rotator Prototype running test on the HD machine (Figure 2) Conclusion(s): This Hemodialysis Filter Rotator enhances the capabilities of enabling sustainable Home HD for ESRD patients and represents a most welcome option in a "post-COVID" world and expands the offering of a convenient, safe and effective Home HD option to thousands of patients who prefer this choice of treatment. Moreover, we would argue that our novel prototype will deliver the unmet need for anticoagulation-free HD in critically ill patients, in the peri-operative period, and in hospitalized patients, in general. Investors and sponsors are welcome. (Figure Presented).