Buzz
By Anya Pogharian, as told to Samuel Anderson
Anya Pogharian, an 18-year-old from Montreal, initially designed an artificial kidney for a high school science project. Inspired by her hospital volunteer work, she shifted her focus to developing an affordable, portable dialysis machine to aid those in developing nations. Though too young for medical school, her innovations could revolutionize healthcare. Here’s her story.
During my hospital volunteer work, I was unfamiliar with dialysis until I spent time on the dialysis floor. Patients would arrive after work for three-hour sessions to cleanse their blood of toxins due to kidney failure. To pass the time while connected to the machines, we often played bingo together.
I discovered the critical demand for dialysis in developing nations. Traditional dialysis machines cost around $30,000 and need ultrapure water, which is scarce. This inspired me to create a portable, cost-effective dialysis machine.
With no prior invention experience, I consulted a nephrologist to gain insights. Even medical professionals often lack knowledge of the machine's mechanics. By studying online manuals, I understood their functionality. I purchased key components like a pump, pressure and temperature sensors, and a filter. I then built a circuit, an air bubble detector, and a microcontroller. [The total cost was approximately $600, just 2% of the price of commercial machines.] After testing with water and food coloring, I presented the prototype at my school, earning the bronze prize at the Canada Wide Science Fair.
After refining the design over the summer, I prepared to test it with real blood. I partnered with a blood donation organization and connected the machine to a four-liter bag. The sample, already high in potassium and impurities due to six days of storage, was further contaminated to challenge the machine. Within an hour, all impurities were removed, including potassium, though the process could have been halted after just 20 minutes.
I’ve received inquiries from individuals in India, Pakistan, and South America eager to buy my machine. While it’s not yet market-ready, progress continues. Within a year, I aim to deliver an affordable solution for developing countries. The urgency of this need cannot be overstated.
