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Kidneys on Wheels®
The History of Dialysis
The history of dialysis, a life-sustaining treatment for kidney failure, spans over a century. It began with early experiments on artificial kidneys and progressed to the development of the hemodialysis machine by Willem Kolff in 1945, marking a crucial breakthrough. Further advancements in vascular access, such as the Scribner shunt and Shaldon catheter, were essential for making hemodialysis a viable long-term treatment. Here’s a more detailed look:
Early Experiments:
The foundation of dialysis was laid by Thomas Graham’s work on diffusion and osmosis in the 19th century. In 1913, John Abel and colleagues conducted the first dialysis experiments on animals, demonstrating the potential to remove toxins from the blood.
First Human Dialysis:
Georg Haas performed the first human dialysis in 1924, but these early attempts were not successful in sustaining life due to the patients’ critical condition and the limitations of the technology.
Kolff’s Breakthrough:
Willem Kolff’s work during World War II, in the Netherlands, resulted in the first clinically successful hemodialysis treatment in 1945. He developed a rotating drum dialyzer, overcoming significant challenges in wartime conditions.
Advancements in Vascular Access:
The Scribner shunt, developed in 1960, allowed for repeated access to the bloodstream, making longterm hemodialysis possible. The Shaldon catheter and the Brescia-Cimino fistula further improved vascular access.
Peritoneal Dialysis:
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) emerged as another form of renal replacement therapy, where the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen acts as a filter. This technique involves introducing and draining a cleansing fluid into the peritoneal cavity to remove waste products.
Source: History of the science of dialysis
Kidneys On Wheels® is a pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in South Africa — and perhaps in the world!
