Patient-Oriented Dialyzer Selection and Design

Abstract

In the design and selection of a dialyzer for individual patient use, there are really three basic considerations: Functional requirements, individual operational features, and other consumer-oriented considerations. It is obvious that functionality must not be compromised and that differences among the various dialyzers available for use today lie in their operational and consumer-oriented features. With the present state of the art, it is obvious that improvements in these latter design features can be made. However, with regard to functional improvements in dialyzer design, it is important that a better understanding of the biochemical aspects of uremia be known and necessary solutes to be removed be identified, so that improved designs and/or therapy can be developed. It must also be recognized that even with present dialyzer designs, the function can be altered based upon the mode of dialyzer operation.