| [ Summary ] |
A home blood purification system, which includes peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) treatment, will improve QOL for patients. In addition, a combined therapy, using PD with HD treatment can maintain peritoneal functions over the long term. Our new system for blood purification makes these treatments available with only a change in the type of circuit. The size of the cassette is 30x20 cm. This machine automatically determines the type of cassette, and the computer starts priming when the cassette is placed in it. After connecting the tube of the cassette with the catheter in the PD patient, the computer detects signals for pressure and temperature within the tube. Drainage and injection of PD dialysate is automatically done with monitoring of the pressure in the tube. Since we can equalize the pressure throughout the tube with bag type treatment, the patient has no discomfort during dialysate drainage and infusion. Other types of cassettes make many different treatments possible such as on-line HDF. |