Giving Kidney Patients Their Lives Back

Sep. 18 (KGO) -- Kidney disease affects one-in-nine people in this country, and many of them face daily dialysis at a treatment facility as a result. But a new device may soon give kidney patients their lives back, with treatment at home.

Chad Gallion can't remember a time when he didn't have kidney problems.

Chad Gallion, dialysis patient: "My whole life."

He's already undergone two kidney transplants, and currently needs dialysis to eliminate waste in his body that his kidneys can't. The treatment wiped him out each time he went in. But now, a new machine is making a lot life easier.

Chad Gallion, dialysis patient: "I feel like I can do more."

The new machine is called Next Stage. Researchers have spent a year letting patients give it a try.

Michael A. Kraus, MD, nephrologist: "The effect that we have seen of the system on the patient's life is pretty remarkable."

Traditionally, dialysis patients have to spend three days a week, four hours a day, getting treatments that leave them fatigued. This system is used two hours a day, six days a week, with much different results.

Michael A. Kraus, MD, nephrologist: "Within a course of a week, they're feeling better, going back to work, becoming more productive."

The patients have also been able to come off their blood pressure medicine within weeks, and their appetites all improved. And a really great part of this invention - the 70 pound machine is extremely portable. Patients can get treatment at home, or on the road if they travel.

Michael A. Kraus, MD, nephrologist: "So it makes it very simple for the patients to set up, very simple for them to use, very economical."

And that portability is essential to people like Chad.

Chad Gallion, dialysis patient: "I feel more alive."

The device is now in clinical trials. Researchers hope to prove with further studies that this machine provides patients with less hospitalizations, and of course longer life.

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