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A Therapeutic Approach to Reducing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy

RenalGuard Therapy is designed to fit within the typical 8-hour therapy window. RenalGuard System aims to support RenalGuard Therapy with existing clinical staff.

RenalGuard Therapy™ is designed to reduce the toxic effects that contrast media can have on the kidneys, which may lead to a reduction in the incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) in at-risk patients. This therapy is based on existing published literature, including the PRINCE study2, and initial pre-clinical work performed by PLC Medical Systems, Inc. which supports the theory that creating and maintaining a high urine output through the kidneys allows the body to rapidly eliminate contrast, reducing its toxic effects.

High urine rates may reduce the incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy via a combination of known physiological factors, including:

  • More rapid transit of contrast through the kidneys
  • Less overall exposure to toxic contrast
  • Reduced oxygen consumption in the medulla of the kidney

RenalGuard Therapy entails the use of a physician-prescribed loop diuretic which may induce the required high urine output. RenalGuard System is designed to measure urine output and replaces it in real-time with an equal volume of sterile saline. This matched fluid replacement aims to minimize the risk of over- or under-hydration which can lead to increased patient risks.

RenalGuard is currently being studied in Clinical Investigations to assess the safety and effectiveness in reducing the incidence of CIN. It is our hope that the use of RenalGuard will reduce the risk of CIN and associated long term morbidity and mortality due to exposure to contrast media, reducing hospital costs.


RenalGuard System has not been proven to reduce CIN or renal injury. RenalGuard System and RenalGuard Therapy have not been proven more effective or accurate in comparison with manual hydration methods. The clinical investigations underway and future planned investigations will determine the safety and effectiveness of the products in these respects.


Clinical Investigations are planned to establish the safety and effectiveness of RenalGuard Therapy in reducing the incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) in high-risk patients.  RenalGuard System is not intended for the infusion of blood, blood components, medications, or nutritional fluids, nor have any investigations been carried out on patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) or acute cardiac instability.

Clinical Investigations

1. RenalGuard has been found to reduce the incidence of CIN in limited pre-clinical and human studies. The RenalGuard Therapy is designed to fit within an 8 hour treatment window, eliminating the need for an overnight stay for CIN therapy. There is not an intended claim for replacement of overnight hydration.

2. Stevens, MA, McCullough, PA et al. A prospective randomized trial of prevention measures in patients at high risk for contrast nephropathy. JACC 1999;33:403-11