Medtronic launches paediatric dialysis machine in U.S

Medtronic has announced the U.S. commercial launch of the Carpediem Cardio-Renal Paediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine. 

Following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) marketing authorisation, granted earlier this year, the first Carpediem systems in the United States were successfully installed and are in use at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. 

The system is indicated for use in acute kidney injury or fluid overloaded patients requiring haemodialysis or hemofiltration therapy. It is intended to provide continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) to patients weighing between 2.5 and 10 kilograms. 

Critically ill patients are at a high risk for fluid overload and acute kidney injury, conditions in which the kidneys do not function properly in their vital role of filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine. Fluid overload is common in critically ill neonates and children, particularly after procedures such as cardiac surgery. The mortality rate for neonates with acute kidney injury has been reported to be as high as 60%.

Stuart L. Goldstein, professor of paediatrics and director, Center for Acute Care Nephrology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, said: "CRRT procedures performed for critically ill infants using previously available technology are not optimal largely because dialysis machines available in the U.S. are not designed to treat these small, fragile patients, and can potentially expose them to many risks. This new system is designed specifically for these patients which enables increased precision of neonatal CRRT treatment and, potentially, reduces these risks. We are grateful to be the first site in the U.S. with this technology to help the children in our care."

CRRT is the most common treatment for critically ill patients whose kidneys are not functioning properly. In this form of renal replacement therapy, the patient's blood is pumped through a haemofilter to gently remove waste and excess fluid while minimising the risk for hypotension (low blood pressure) and cardiac stability. 

Paediatric patients requiring CRRT have historically been treated with systems designed and indicated for adults and not approved for paediatric use, which can create potential clinical complications for neonatal patients. The Carpediem system is intended to address many of the challenges associated with current machines because it is the first CRRT system designed specifically for patients weighing between 2.5 and 10 kilograms. This system was championed by Professor Claudio Ronco, director, Department of Nephrology and International Renal Research Institute of the San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy (IRRIV).

Ven Manda, president, Renal Care Solutions, said: "At Medtronic, we strive to provide a portfolio of renal care solutions that improve outcomes, access to care, and quality of life for patients affected by severe renal injury or disease globally — no matter their size or age. For the first time, some of the tiniest and most vulnerable patients can be treated with technology designed specifically for them. We cannot make the world a healthier place alone. That is why collaboration with clinical experts, such as Prof. Ronco and Dr. Goldstein, is critical to bringing new treatment options to underserved populations."