dialyzátoru

A dialyzer, also known as an artificial kidney, is a medical device used in hemodialysis treatment. Its primary function is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions adequately, a condition known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease.

The dialyzer consists of two main compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane. Blood from the patient is pumped from their body, through one side of the dialyzer. On the other side of the membrane, a special fluid called dialysate flows. This dialysate contains specific concentrations of electrolytes and other substances that are balanced to mimic healthy blood.

The semipermeable membrane allows small molecules like urea, creatinine, and excess electrolytes to pass from the blood into the dialysate. Larger molecules, such as blood cells and proteins, are too large to cross the membrane and remain in the blood. This selective diffusion and convection process effectively cleanses the blood. The cleansed blood is then returned to the patient's body. Dialyzers are essential components of hemodialysis, providing a life-sustaining treatment for millions of people worldwide.