"3D Printed Artificial Kidneys Created By UConn Students"

http://www.nuviun.com/blog/3D-Printed-Artificial-Kidneys-Created-By-UConn-Students

@UConnEngineer Students Create 3D Printed Artificial #Kidneys - http://t.co/JTnTlJ6oTE #digitalhealth #3Dprinting #Technology #mhealth
— nuviun (@Nuviun) May 15, 2014

.@UConn students 3D print a pair of artificial kidneys: http://t.co/5sP7ZfQ03r #Atmel #3DPrinting pic.twitter.com/OxHi8PJ8YN
— Atmel University (@AtmelUniversity) May 13, 2014

"If successful, the project can provide a low-cost but effective alternative to the approximately 2 million people who are on renal replacement therapy worldwide.
In the GCC countries, there is scarce data about ESRD incidence rates, but a 2012 meta-study said that 'Many reports have provided evidence of increasing prevalence of the most common causes of ESRD in the GCC such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.'
According to the study, majority of ESRD patients in the GCC countries are on hemodialysis. They would benefit from receiving 3D artificial kidneys if the technology ultimately makes it possible to receive these organs with similar risk compared to receiving real kidneys.
There have been many studies demonstrating how 3D printing technology can go beyond the hype and into applications that impact healthcare, particularly replacing body parts with 3D printed ones, even transplanting live kidneys and livers straight from a 3D printer.
The UConn project recalls to mind a recent, similar project by Japanese surgeons who created 3D-printed tumor-containing kidneys for simulated cancer surgery. Other scientists have also shown how a 3D model of a tumor itself can provide clues to curing cancer.
Other studies demonstrated successful implantation of a 3D printed skull, as well as the creation of 3D-printed artificial eyes, noses and ears." (Source)