Hemodialysis machine technology: a global overview.
The market for hemodialysis machines, the background, the current products of manufacturers and the features of hemodialysis machines are described in this article. In addition to the established companies and their products, Chinese manufacturers, and new developments for home hemodialysis, are outlined based on publications available on the internet and patent applications. Here, a critical review of the state of the art questions the medical usefulness of high-tech developments, compared with the benefits of more frequent and/or longer dialysis treatment with comparable simple machines.
Medical Devices Consultant, Malerweg 12, A-9231 Koestenberg, Austria. hdp@aon.at
Hans-Dietrich
HD
Polaschegg
D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000639:trends; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000639:trends; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005544:Forecasting; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*