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This paper presents an easy to install nerve cuff electrode dedicated to functional electrical stimulation (FES). In this new device, a shape memory alloy (SMA) armature is used to perform the closing of the electrode. This technique makes the electrode installation around the nerve much easier, quicker, and safer. Both remarkable mechanical properties of SMA materials, namely, shape memory effect and superelasticity, can be used to obtain the desired mode of electrode closing. The fabrication procedure of the new electrode is described. It does not require any expensive or complex techniques. Bipolar and tripolar electrodes have been manufactured with an inner diameter of 1.6 mm and a cuff wall thickness of 0.8 mm. These electrodes are to be used for FES of the bladder in spinal cord injured patients. Acute studies in dogs are being carried out to validate the device and the implantation procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of early death worldwide. By 2030, 14.5 million people will have end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD, or CKD stage 5), yet only 5.4 million will receive kidney replacement therapy (KRT) due to economic, social, and political factors. Even for those who are offered KRT by various means of dialysis, the life expectancy remains far too low. Observation: Researchers from different fields of artificial organs collaborate to overcome the challenges of creating products such as Wearable and/or Implantable Artificial Kidneys capable of providing long‐term effective physiologic kidney functions such as removal of uremic toxins, electrolyte homeostasis, and fluid regulation. A focus should be to develop easily accessible, safe, and inexpensive KRT options that enable a good quality of life and will also be available for patients in less‐developed regions of the world. Conclusions: Hence, it is required to discuss some of the limits and burdens of transplantation and different techniques of dialysis, including those performed at home. Furthermore, hurdles must be considered and overcome to develop wearable and implantable artificial kidney devices that can help to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]