Dialysis machine

Dialysis Machine

A dialysis machine is a medical device used for the artificial replacement of kidney function in people with renal failure. Dialysis machines are used to filter a patient's blood to remove excess water and waste products when the kidneys are damaged, dysfunctional, or missing. The dialysis machine itself can be thought of as an artificial kidney.

History

The first successful dialysis machine, the Kolff dialyzer, was used in 1943. This machine was made from cellophane tubing and a bath of dialysis fluid. The development of the dialysis machine has greatly improved the survival and quality of life of patients with renal failure.

Function

A dialysis machine consists of a dialyzer, a pump, and a system for monitoring the patient and the machine. The patient's blood is pumped through the machine, enters the dialyzer, and is returned to the body. The dialyzer is the key component of the dialysis machine. It is a semi-permeable membrane that allows the exchange of substances between the blood and the dialysis fluid.

The dialysis machine also includes a system for monitoring the patient's blood pressure and heart rate, as well as the flow of blood and dialysis fluid through the machine. This monitoring system ensures that the dialysis treatment is carried out safely and effectively.

Types of Dialysis

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis uses a dialysis machine to clean the blood, while peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) as a natural filter to clean the blood.

See Also

• Kidney disease
• Renal failure
• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis