#2: Dialysis in the course of time – Gerd Breuch on milestones and future perspectives
How has dialysis changed over the past 40 years, and where is it heading?
In this episode of our Smart Dialysis Podcast, our colleague Martina Ackner talks to Gerd Breuch, an experienced dialysis expert, about key milestones in the field. They discuss bicarbonate dialysis, the challenges of staff shortages, sustainability in dialysis and future developments such as home dialysis, AI and xenotransplantation.
In the conversation, Gerd Breuch explains which milestones have brought lasting improvements to the quality of life of people on dialysis. In particular, the introduction of bicarbonate dialysis and erythropoietin fundamentally changed treatment and made it considerably easier to tolerate.
Dialysis care today
The two also discuss the current state of dialysis care.
Breuch describes the global shortage of qualified nurses and nephrologists as one of the greatest challenges for the future of care. At the same time, he sees growing momentum in areas such as home dialysis and approaches supported by artificial intelligence.
Sustainability is another key issue: the high water consumption, energy requirements and large volumes of waste associated with treatment call for new approaches.
Looking ahead to the future of dialysis
Finally, Gerd Breuch looks to the future, discussing bioartificial kidneys, xenotransplantation and the prospect of dialysis eventually serving primarily as a bridge to transplantation.
Guest bio:
Gerd Breuch has worked in dialysis for more than 40 years and is one of the most experienced experts in the field. His career spans nursing, clinical research, professional education, consulting and business management, as well as writing and editing specialist publications on nephrology and dialysis.
For the past 15 years, he has led a group of companies specialising in medical technology and development. He is also the editor of two books:
- Fachpflege Nephrologie und Dialyse
- Dialyse für Einsteiger
My hope is that, in the future, dialysis will only be needed as a bridge to transplantation.
Listen to the episode
Smart Dialysis® – The GreenTec Podcast is also available on other platforms, including AntennaPod.
