Viewpoint
Although both of these results sound somewhat primitive, we should compare these findings to the development of the process of dialysis. The history of nephrology is fascinating. Modern dialysis is built on work done in the 1800s to understand diffusion and in 1913 to develop a proper membrane. Pioneers in the field built drums that would allow diffusion, encased those drums in metal containers to allow pressure to be incorporated to allow ultrafiltration, and developed methods to access the vascular space that began with the Scribner shunt. The first dialysis method that truly looks like what we practice today wasn't in use until the mid-1960s. We can consider how far we have come in the development of dialyzers, medications to target the complications of end-stage renal disease, and various types of vascular access. We should remember, however, that all of these improvements have been achieved only over a 50-year period. If we continue at the same pace, what will the next 50 years hold?
Abstract
Abstract