Abstract
We have developed and produced a new portable artificial kidney system.
The dialysis machine has a blood pump, heparin pump, dialysate pump, pressure controller and UFR controller as well as all necessary safety and monitoring systems, with its various mechanisms and displays controlled by a microcomputer. It is very small and lightweight, measuring only 376×300×135mm and weighing a mere 8.5kg, and is designed with emphasis on high accuracy, reliability and easy handling.
This system is intended for multipurpose uses. For patients who take along it, the system permits a minimum consumption of dialysate (a batch type) and a shorter dialysis time by employing series of dialyser and adsorbent. And for patients in home and hospital, the system can use continuously diluted dialysate by utilizing a small dialysate supplier (340×410×160mm, 9.5kg) we have developed at the same time.
The dialyser is of small size and high performance, using cuprammonium rayon hollow fibers with thin wall thickness of 8 microns. The adsorbent column contains beads-type charcoal coated with polyalcohol that is excellent in blood compatibility.
