Implantable Artificial Kidney Corp Nearing Completion of Fully Functional Prototype

TOMBALL, Texas - Dec. 29, 2013 - PRLog -- The Implantable Artificial Kidney Corporation has completed several steps that have improved their artificial kidney prototype. These improvements took place after recent in-house testing. Testing was performed to check the flow integrity, and filtration process of the device. In this stage of testing, water was pumped through the device and flow resistance was checked using pressure gauges placed in each of the five chambers of the device. Pore sizing of the filters used in the device were checked for efficiency as well.

After studying the results, it was determined that pressure levels were dropping from chamber to chamber, due to resistance as the fluid passed through the device.  In order for the device to work properly, pressure levels in all chambers has to remain uniform. To correct this problem, a slight design change in the prototype was made by adding very small tension type pressure release valves to 3 of the chambers. The small pressure relief valves are simple in design, and will never wear out over time. They allow the pressure to build to the proper level in each chamber, and then open to release the fluid, thus maintaining equal pressure between chambers.

Additionally, pore sizing of the filters in the device, which separate elements based on their molecular size, were adjusted to optimize performance, and the last two chambers of the device, which use osmosis to return necessary elements to the body, were combined into one large chamber. This improved the amount of surface area needed for efficient osmosis to take place.

Chief Design Officer Christina White revised the company's CAD drawings, which will be used to manufacture the upgraded prototype. All future prototypes will be based on this latest model.

“These improvements are important steps that will bring us closer to our goal of completing the first fully operational artificial kidney in existence”, said CEO Roland G. Ludlow.

Currently, they are preparing to perform in-house blood testing on the latest prototype model. When satisfactory results are obtained, the prototype will be sent to an ISO accredited laboratory to confirm their findings. According to the company, they are only a few months away from finishing the final design on the prototype, and when it is completed, they will begin the animal testing phase of the project by implanting the device into a pig.

About the Implantable Artificial Kidney Corporation

The company is solely involved in the research and development of a fully functional artificial kidney. They currently possess a patented prototype that is being further developed and tested. The device was invented by scientist Charles E. Jennings, who holds numerous domestic and international patents.