Abstract: FR-PO1071
Greener Peritoneal Dialysis: Comparative Environmental Impact of Daily Plastic Used Between Archimedes and Conventional Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Systems
Session Information
- Home Dialysis: Modalities, Barriers, Utilization, and Clinical Outcomes
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 802 Dialysis: Home Dialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors
- Sloand, James A., The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- El Shamy, Osama, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Pendergraft, Rick, Simergent LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
- Lindo, Steve J., Simergent LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Background
Many conventional Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) systems use high volumes of single-use plastic which contribute to carbon emissions, generation of toxic chlorinated compounds (i.e. dioxins) during waste incineration, and/or plasticizer (DEHP) leaching in landfills. Production of 1 kg of new PVC resin emits about 6 kg of CO2 and consumes roughly 21 kWh of energy.
This study compared the plastic mass of a novel, patient-centric APD system (Simergent's Archimedes) with that of conventional APD disposable tubing sets.
Methods
The mass of Simergent Archimedes and four conventional APD disposable tubing sets (Vantive Claria™ 3-prong w/ integrated extension, Claria™ 4-prong, Amia 4-prong, and Fresenius Liberty™ 4-prong) were weighed on a laboratory balance. Assumptions included nightly PD for 365 days/year for 67,000 patients (~number on PD in US in 2023 per USRDS for 2025).
Results
Plastic mass ranged from 276 to 512 g patient/year for conventional systems and 124 g/patient/year for Archimedes™ (Table 1). This would result in 40,500 – 75,100 metric tons of CO2 generated and 142 – 263 million kWh of energy used for "other" vs 18,200 metric tons of CO2 and 64 million kWh used for Archimedes. Additionally, Archimedes tubing is not made with DEHP, while some conventional tubing sets may use DEHP.
Conclusion
In a world facing limited resources and an expanding number of patients requiring dialysis, APD systems like the Archimedes system provide a 55%-75% reduction in plastic waste. Additionally, reduced tubing length may be more manageable for patient set up and disposal.
Table 1: Tubing Set Environmental Comparison
| Tubing Set Model | Weight (g) | CO2 per year (metric tons) | kWh usage |
| Simergent Archimedes Pro 3-prong | 124 | 18,195 | 63,680,820 |
| Vantive Claria 4-prong | 276 | 40,497 | 141,741,180 |
| Vantive Claria 3-prong with integrated extension | 379 | 55,611 | 194,637,345 |
| Vantive Amia 4-prong with integrated extension | 463 | 67,936 | 237,775,965 |
| Fresenius Liberty extended drain line | 512 | 75,126 | 262,940,160 |
Funding
- Commercial Support – Simergent LLC