A New Era for Kidney Dialysis at Penn Highlands Mon Valley

Penn Highlands Mon Valley has introduced a new technology for inpatient kidney dialysis.

The Outset Tablo is the first-of-its-kind technology and the most technically advanced system for dialysis. The fully automated system serves as a dialysis clinic on wheels by conveniently providing dialysis to patients anywhere at any time – across the continuum of care. While kidney dialysis is provided to inpatients on the Medical/Surgical Unit, the compact, portable machine is easily transportable so that patients can have dialysis in the Emergency Department, ICU, PCU and if a patient is isolated.

“This is a significant advancement that transforms the dialysis experience for patients,” said Heather Franci, Chief Nursing Officer and Service Line Director, Heart Center, Lung Center, Brain & Spine and Oncology Services at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “This system reduces complexity of dialysis and leaves patients feeling refreshed and energized.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 15% of US adults or
37 million people are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). When people develop CKD, their kidneys become damaged and over time may not clean the blood as well as healthy kidneys. If kidneys do not work well, toxic waste and extra fluid accumulate in the body and may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death. Dialysis is a treatment that removes the wastes and extra fluid from the blood. On average, people who have dialysis receive three treatments per week with treatments lasting three to four hours each time.