Hemodialysis Systems Assists Disaster Recovery Response

A novel hemodialysis device requires only an electrical outlet and tap water to operate, freeing patients in disaster areas from dependence on expensive infrastructure.

The Outset Medical (San Jose, CA, USA) Tablo dialysis system is designed to work like a consumer-operated device, so that almost anyone can learn how to deliver dialysis, including the patients themselves. A large animated touch screen display makes the system easy to learn and use, intuitively leading the user through the dialysis process with the aid of guided animations. In addition, a proprietary suite of sensors--including an integrated blood pressure cuff--and data sets meld together machine and patient in order to automatically adjust treatment parameters, customizing therapy to the individual patient's needs.


The Tablo is primarily designed for self-care, and as such includes several unique features, including a filtration system that purifies regular water to produce dialysate in real-time; cartridges that snap into place easily, reducing setup and takedown time; automated saline bolus and tracking; one-touch rinse-back and automated self-cleaning; and a flexible treatment duration that starts at 30 minutes and up to 12 hours or even 24 hours with a supplies changeover. Tablo also provides two-way communication with the cloud to seamlessly transmit treatment data to a remote diagnostics platform that powers service and support.

“Emergencies such as hurricanes and floods can severely impede dialysis services, and put a vulnerable population at risk,” said Leslie Trigg, CEO of Outset Medical. “Tablo's design enables fast deployment to the field using existing water sources in the disaster-affected community. Its simplicity accelerates training and set-up time.”

Dialysate is a nonsterile aqueous electrolyte solution that is similar to the normal levels of electrolytes found in extracellular fluid, with the exception of the buffer bicarbonate and potassium. Dialysate solution is almost an isotonic solution, with the usual osmolality approximately 300 ± 20 milliosmoles per liter. To ensure patient safety and prevent red blood cell destruction by hemolysis or crenation, the osmolality of dialysate must be close to the osmolality of plasma.

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