London-American researchers said that an experimental wearable artificial kidney shows promise as a substitute for dialysis machines.

In a clinical trial, a prototype of the artificial kidney was tested on seven patients at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.

The test was designed to see how effective the device is and how it might work to safely take the former functions of failed kidneys. Researchers allowed the patients to wear the device for 24 hours.

Scientists said the artificial kidney successfully cleared the blood of waste products such as urea, phosphorus and creatinine. The device also helped rid the blood of excess salt and water.

The scientists added that the patients have tolerated the treatment well, as there was no effect on circulation and no adverse effect to any parts of the body.

Researchers revealed the artificial wearable device had another benefit. Patients, whether or not they adhered to a strict diet to keep their blood electrolytes stable, encountered no problems.

Meanwhile, Dr. Robert Courgi from Northwell Health’s Southside Hospital in New York said that the concept for the wearable artificial kidney device has been talked about for years, and it is indeed exciting to see it come to life in clinical trials.

However, the device still has shortcomings when it comes to technical parts. Although the wearable device may be used someday, traditional dialysis is still the standard care at the moment, he added.