A team of six students from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University has undertaken a senior capstone project in a significant stride toward addressing a critical medical concern. Their focus? Finding a solution to kidney failure in newborns.
Unlike some conditions that can be identified before birth, kidney failure often emerges after delivery, necessitating immediate intervention.
Infants With Kidney Failure Rely on Peritoneal Dialysis
Infants diagnosed with a kidney failure condition rely on peritoneal dialysis, a procedure designed to assist in the filtration of waste and toxins from the bloodstream. However, while lifesaving, this treatment can lead to complications, including fluid leakage, and requires an extended healing process.
For their senior capstone project, the six students called Rapid Cuff developed custom dialysis cuffs and a T-shaped applicator sleeve to improve the peritoneal dialysis process.
The team was sponsored by Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) and guided by Dr. Daniel Alge, an associate professor in the biomedical engineering department, along with his brother, Dr. Joseph Alge, a pediatric nephrologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Their mission was to enhance the peritoneal dialysis process for newborns. Naomi Brady, a team member, emphasized the critical need for a reliable solution, especially for newborn children who are entirely dependent on peritoneal dialysis.
The incision site typically takes one to two weeks to heal, during which another dialysis cannot be administered, underscoring the need for "a really good solution." The team aimed to streamline the healing process and prevent fluid leakage for newborns undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
This outpatient procedure involves implanting a catheter through the abdominal wall, with one end remaining outside the body for the passage of dialysis fluid and the other end positioned inside the abdomen.
Waste and toxins are removed from the body as the fluid circulates through the catheter. According to the researchers, kidney failure in infants can be attributed to various factors, including genetic predisposition or congenital abnormalities that hinder proper organ development.
Premature babies, in particular, are susceptible to these conditions. The consequence is an accumulation of waste and toxins within the abdominal cavity. Infants with kidney failure face unique challenges due to their delicate veins and limited blood supply.
Consequently, peritoneal dialysis is preferred over hemodialysis, where a tube is inserted into the arm. According to the team, this approach is less likely to be effective, as babies are naturally inclined to move around.
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Double-Compressed Cuffs
To address this, the team developed double-compressed cuffs designed to be "squirmling-proof," providing a secure seal around the catheter, thus preventing slippage.
The innovation lies in the choice of materials, with the team opting for a more porous foam filled with a hydrogel instead of the traditional polyester cuffs. Additionally, a third cuff positioned outside the body covers the wound and is complemented by an applicator sleeve for standardized catheter placement.
The inspiration for the applicator sleeve drew from tampon applicators, allowing for cuff compression to accommodate smaller incisions. Once the catheter is in place, the sleeve is removed, leaving the catheter securely positioned.
In the future, this innovative device could be adapted to aid in the dialysis process not only for newborns but also for adult patients with kidney failure.
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