dialyseren

Dialyseren is a class of medical devices used in hemodialysis to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood of people with kidney failure. A dialyser contains a semi-permeable membrane that separates blood from a cleansing solution called dialysate. During treatment, blood flows on one side of the membrane while dialysate flows on the other, allowing diffusion of small and some middle molecules and controlled removal of water.

Dialyseren come in modular formats that include hollow-fiber and flat-sheet designs. Hollow-fiber dialyzers are the most common in contemporary practice and are selected based on factors such as surface area, permeability, and biocompatibility. They are typically designed for single use and are disposed of after a dialysis session. The device may be characterized as low-flux or high-flux, indicating different capabilities to clear larger molecules, with implications for treatment goals.

Materials and membranes have evolved from cellulose-based origins to a range of synthetic polymers, including polysulfone, polyethersulfone, and other biocompatible materials. Membrane permeability, biocompatibility, and resistance to clotting agents are important considerations in dialyser selection. Modern dialyzers are designed to optimize toxin clearance, fluid removal, and patient safety, while minimizing adverse reactions.

History and regulation: The dialyzer emerged in the mid-20th century, with major advances in membrane technology and engineering over subsequent decades. Regulatory bodies oversee manufacturing quality, sterilization, and clinical performance to ensure patient safety and efficacy.

See also: dialysis, kidney disease, hemodialysis, membrane technology.