• The Role and Function of Dialysis Machines in Kidney Failure Treatment
  • Hassan Salehipour Masooleh,1,* Mehdi Niajalili,2 Amir Mohammad Rahmani,3
    1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran.
    2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran.
    3. Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran.


  • Introduction: The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure. Kidney failure results in the accumulation of toxins and electrolyte imbalances, which can ultimately lead to death if untreated. One of the most significant medical innovations for managing kidney failure is the dialysis machine, which serves as a substitute for normal kidney function. Since the invention of the first dialysis machine in the 1940s, the technology has advanced significantly and is now applied in two main forms: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Industrial and medical progress in developed countries, particularly Germany, the United States, and Japan, has led to the production of highly efficient dialysis machines, thereby improving the quality of life for patients suffering from renal failure.
  • Methods: This study was conducted as a descriptive-analytical review. Scientific sources, including review articles, medical textbooks, and reports from health organizations, were examined. The research followed these steps: 1. Reviewing the history of dialysis, from early attempts to the development of modern devices. 2. Analyzing different dialysis methods, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. 3. Identifying leading global manufacturers and the most advanced countries in dialysis machine production. 4. Examining challenges and limitations associated with dialysis. 5. Highlighting emerging technologies, such as portable devices, advanced membranes, and artificial intelligence applications in dialysis.
  • Results: The findings of this review demonstrated that: • Hemodialysis remains the most common method, typically performed three times per week, each session lasting between 3 and 5 hours. • Peritoneal dialysis offers patients more independence and the possibility of home-based treatment, although it carries a higher risk of infection. • Leading manufacturers include Fresenius Medical Care and B. Braun (Germany), along with Japanese companies such as Nikkiso and Toray, and several U.S.-based firms. • The main challenges of dialysis are: time-consuming sessions, side effects such as hypotension and infection, high costs, and limitations on patients’ quality of life. • Recent technological advancements, including smart dialysis systems with automated monitoring, portable machines, nanotechnology-based membranes, and AI-driven treatment optimization, provide a promising outlook for more effective and patient-centered dialysis care. • A comparison of dialysis and kidney transplantation revealed that, while transplantation generally offers superior quality of life, the shortage of donors and surgical risks make dialysis the primary option for many patients.
  • Conclusion: Dialysis has been one of the most important medical innovations of the 20th century, playing a vital role in extending life expectancy and improving the quality of life of patients with kidney failure. Despite existing challenges and limitations, the integration of new technologies and enhanced healthcare services can further improve dialysis outcomes. The future of this field is moving toward personalized dialysis, portable and smart devices, and minimizing side effects. Continued investment in research and development, coupled with patient education and social support, will be crucial to enhancing treatment outcomes and quality of life for dialysis patients worldwide.
  • Keywords: Dialysis Machines, Kidney Failure, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Medical Technology.