Medical devices company Quanta has partnered with the industrial design and development consultancy Smallfry to develop a portable home dialysis kit.
Kidneys
The two companies have produced the SC+ personal haemodialysis system. The device enables flexible home treatment for those who need regular haemodialysis treatment in order to survive. The system removes the need for patients to travel to the hospital for treatment, which can take up to four hours a day. Patients using the SC can administer their own treatment at home, and in some cases, get the treatment they need overnight whilst they sleep.
Everyday life can be extremely difficult for those in need of regular haemodialysis treatment. In the UK, there are over 3 million people at risk from chronic kidney disease, with diabetes and high blood pressure being the two largest contributing factors.
The SC+ is mobile, lightweight and easy to use. The system features high-resolution screens and touchscreen functionality.
Quanta SC+
Managing director at Smallfry, Steve May-Russell, said the project was something very close to his and his team’s heart: “We noticed what Quanta were doing a few years ago and instantly wanted to be involved. We could see the potential life-changing benefits of their ideas and wanted to do everything possible to help bring them to fruition. This new cartridge based home dialysis system will revolutionise dialysis treatment and give patients a completely new lease of life.”
Dr Charlotte Bebb, consultant nephrologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and principal investigator, said: “The patients who have been treated in Quanta’s pilot studies thus far have been extremely positive about their experience with SC+. In order to improve patient outcomes and experiences while on dialysis, I think it is necessary to give patients and clinicians greater flexibility and control of their own treatment. I believe SC+ has the potential to significantly improve the way haemodialysis patients are currently treated.”
Quanta has carried out an extensive pilot study which included over 1,100 successful patient treatments at four different NHS trusts throughout the UK.
The system is set to launch next year.