Background: Since 2005, three human clinical trials have been performed with the Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK) and Wearable Ultrafiltration (WUF) device. The lack of an adequate vascular access (VA) has been pointed out as the main limitation to their implementation. Based on the current level of understanding, we will make the first conceptual proposal of an adequate VA suitable for the WAK and the WUF.
Methods: All the literature related to WAK and WUF was reviewed. Based on eight main publications the VA major characteristics were defined: a mean blood flow of 100 mL/min; the capability to allow prolonged and frequent dialysis treatments, without interfering in activities of daily living (ADL); safe and convenient connection/disconnection systems; reduced risk of biofilm formation and coagulation; high biocompatibility. A research was done in order to answer to each necessary technological prerequisites.
Results: The use of a device similar to a CVC with a 5Fr lumen, seems to be the most feasible option. Totally subcutaneous port devices, like the LifeSite(R) or Dialock (R) systems can be a solution to allow WAK or WUF to operate continuously while patients carry out their ADL. Recently, macromolecules that reduce the risk of thrombosis and infection and are integrated into a CVC have been developed and have the capability of overcoming these major limitations.
Conclusion: With an adequate VA, portable HD devices can be acceptable options to address several unmet clinical needs of HD patients.
Keywords: end-stage renal disease; renal replacement therapy; vascular access; wearable artificial kidney; wearable ultrafiltration device.