Golisano Children’s Hospital Using New Device for Infants with Kidney Failure

Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) is now treating infants who are critically ill and renal failure with a new tool that is built to improve the outcomes for the most fragile patients.

The Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine (CARPEDIEM ^TM) is a new continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) designed specifically for small infants with acute kidney injury or kidney failure requiring dialysis. With 3 CARPEDIEM’s, Golisano Children’s Hospital is only the second hospital in the country to be trained and proficient in treating patients with the device.

Prior to the development and approval of the Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency machine (CARPEDIEM^TM), there was not a machine designed specifically for continuous hemodialysis in small infants and children with acute kidney injury or kidney failure. 

“Previously we adapted dialysis machines that are designed for adults to treat our critically ill infants and children who need dialysis, which was sometimes problematic and put small children at risk,” says Susan Duddy Martin, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics.

Since CARPEDIEM ^TM is specifically designed for use in the smallest patients, it allows hospitals to provide safe, effective and more efficient lifesaving therapy. This machine is also built to allow for lower blood flow, which inherently decreases the risk of blood clots and helps stabilize the patient. In addition, CARPEDIEM ^TM can utilize saline to prime the circuit, which helps avoid blood transfusions.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new life-saving technology to help care for some of our most critically ill infants and young children with kidney injury,” said Marc Lande, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of Pediatric Nephrology at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Implementing CARPEDIEM^TM will be a collaborative effort between the pediatric ICU and pediatric nephrology divisions at Golisano Children’s Hospital, and is just one more way that GCH continues to help each child reach their fullest potential.