Abstract
During three decades of development of the hemodialyzer, only a few new membranes have been introduced in Europe and the United States. Various types of polymeric membranes being used in hemodialysis show enhancement of blood compatibility. Also, multiple use of cellulose base dialyzers improved blood compatibility and subsequently the patient's general condition and biochemical parameters. These two facts indicate the importance of biocompatibility of the hemodialyzer, particularly the membrane materials. Multiple use of dialyzers after protein deposition on the surface and cross-linking by aldehyde showed biologically compatible blood contacting surfaces. This concept is similar to the philosophy, which was proved in blood pumps utilizing the biolization hypotheses. It is important to study the biomaterial not only from the material point of view, but also its interaction with the physiological system. Utilizing more blood compatible materials for artificial organs is stressed for many years of clinical application.
