The development of systems, devices and service to assist renal patients' independence and help achieve better outcomes is the key aim of the D4D Renal Technology theme.

Approximately 50,000 people in the UK have kidneys that have failed. Only around half of these people have a working kidney transplant, whilst the rest rely on regular treatment with either haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

The majority of haemodialysis patients have to attend hospital for a four hour treatment three times every week. Including travelling time to and from hospital, and the time taken for a nurse to connect and disconnect a patient from the machine, a single treatment session can take seven hours or more.

Treatment often leaves patients feeling too washed out to function normally for the rest of the day. Lack of activity and the restricted renal diet can lead to muscle loss, which can affect independence. It can also have an impact on a patient's ability to lose weight, which may prevent the patient being eligible for a kidney transplant.

We're approaching these challenges in several ways...

Through collaboration with Quanta Fluid Systems Ltd we aim to develop a haemodialysis machine that's smaller, more portable and easier to use than those currently available. This will enable more patients to carry out dialysis at home and fit dialysis in around their daily lives. Home haemodialysis also provides the option to shorter, more frequent dialysis sessions, which are less physically draining and fit in more easily with a busy lifestyle.

Our expert network recognises that dialysis overnight - or nocturnal dialysis - would be the ideal option for many patients. It not only frees up the daytime, but it also frees the patient from virtually all the food and fluid restrictions normally associated with dialysis.

Demand for nocturnal dialysis is gradually increasing as patients hear of its benefits, but it's currently only offered by a few hospitals. Another of our projects is gathering experience from those hospitals that do offer nocturnal dialysis to produce guidance to help others overcome the barriers to providing this important service.

In the future we'd like to bring other disciplines and expertise much more into the field of renal treatment. At present haemodialysis patients are treated regularly to remove the build up of fluid and toxins normally lost in the urine. However, dialysis units offer little or no rehabilitation. The development of devices and protocols for safe and sustainable on-dialysis exercise programmes could help maintain muscle function and prevent patients becoming dependent on wheelchairs or walking aids. Exercise could also help patients get fit for a transplant.

Dr Elizabeth Lindley is the D4D Renal Technology theme lead.

Find out more about portable haemodialysis units.

If you have an idea or invention you'd like to discuss with us, please do get in touch.