Dialyzer
The dialyzer replaces important kidney functions
In hemodialysis, the dialyzer acts as an artificial kidney and replaces vital functions of the natural organ. Blood flows through as many as 20,000 extremely fine fibers, known as capillaries, clustered in a plastic tube approximately 30 centimeters long. The capillaries are made of Fresenius Polysulfone, a special plastic with exceptional filtering and hemocompatibility characteristics. Pores in the capillaries filter metabolic toxins and excess water from the blood and flush them out of the body with dialysis fluid. Blood cells and vital proteins remain in the blood. Dialyzers are used only once in most industrialized countries.
In hemodialysis, the dialyzer acts as an artificial kidney and replaces vital functions of the natural organ. Blood flows through as many as 20,000 extremely fine fibers, known as capillaries, clustered in a plastic tube approximately 30 centimeters long. The capillaries are made of Fresenius Polysulfone, a special plastic with exceptional filtering and hemocompatibility characteristics. Pores in the capillaries filter metabolic toxins and excess water from the blood and flush them out of the body with dialysis fluid. Blood cells and vital proteins remain in the blood. Dialyzers are used only once in most industrialized countries.
Fresenius Polysulfone is well tolerated
Fresenius Polysulfone has been proven in clinical trials to be biologically extremely well tolerated. This biocompatibility of the membrane has a decisive effect on the success of dialysis treatment since each liter of blood passes through the fine Polysulfone capillaries ten to twelve times during a single session. The Helixone membrane was developed and is produced by Fresenius Medical Care and is an optimized version of Fresenius Polysulfone. It is used in FX-Class and Optiflux dialyzers and further improves the filtering of blood. These artificial kidneys are also smaller and lighter than traditional models.
High-flux dialyzers are more efficient
Most patients have a significantly longer survival rate when treated with high-flux rather than low-flux dialyzers. This was the conclusion of a study conducted by nephrologists and published in 2007. Specialists believe the longer survival rates with high-flux dialyzers are the result of a more efficient removal of metabolic toxin molecules from the blood. The pores in the membranes of high-flux dialyzers are two-and-a-half times larger than those in low-flux dialyzers. High-flux dialyzers also have greater water permeability. This makes the filtering characteristics of high-flux membranes very similar to those of the glomerular basement membranes in the human kidney and facilitates to quickly remove large amounts of fluids and urophanic toxins from the body. High-flux dialysis can also help maintain remaining kidney function over a longer period of time.
Most dialyzers are produced by Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius Medical Care sets the standards for modern dialyzers. Around the world, doctors and care personnel trust in the Company’s products since they allow them to offer the best-possible treatment for their patients. More than 40 percent of all artificial kidneys sold every year come from Fresenius Medical Care’s development and production sites in St. Wendel, Germany; Ogden, Utah; Inukai in Japan and L’Arbresle, France.
For more information about kidney patient care, please visit the UltraCare website of Fresenius Medical Care North America.
