Abstract: Artificial kidney comprises a hemodialyzer connected in a dialysis liquid circuit which is in the form of a loop the volume of which is essentially invariable. The circuit is open to the atmosphere and comprises a circulating pump arranged upstream of the hemodialyzer. Means are provided for drawing off and measuring, outside the said circuit, amounts of liquid equal to the amounts of ultrafiltrate which it is desired to remove from a patient's blood stream. A variable hydraulic resistance is provided downstream of the hemodialyzer and comprises a float, the resistance being operative to keep the dialysis liquid at an essentially constant level in the circuit in order automatically to regulate the pressure of the dialysis liquid in the hemodialyzer.

Abstract: An artificial kidney comprising a haemodialyser 16 connected to a dialysis liquid circuit. The latter can be entirely integrated, that is to say that the functions previously performed by a plurality of self-contained members connected to one another are now performed by a common unit consisting of a very small number of multifunctional components. This common unit is preferably disposable. A small console groups together, with their electric circuits, the re-usable means for controlling and checking the artificial kidney.

Abstract: The invention provides semi-permeable hollow fibres of symmetrical type and of homogeneous microporous structure, with a smooth internal surface, which are obtained by cooling a solution of a copolymer of acrylonitrile and an olefinically unsaturated comonomer carrying optionally salified sulphonic acid groups, in a polar organic solvent with an adjuvant, to give a thermally reversible gel, followed by washing, stretching and relaxation treatments. The new hollow fibres have improved haemocompatibility and are useful in treating blood by haemodialysis, ultrafiltration and/or plasmapheresis.

Abstract: Spacers for membrane exchanges whose useful exchange zone is divided by at least one transversal rib directing one of the fluids to the side of the exchange zone where it passes through orifices to circulate subsequently on the opposite face.Application to heat and/or material exchanges with various fluids, especially biological fluids. Particular applications in haemodialysis and in blood oxygenation.

Abstract: An artificial kidney comprising a haemodialyser (a) associated with and preferably integrated into a common unit D adapted to be connected simultaneously to a patient P, to a container 34 of fresh and/or used dialysis liquid, and to a controlling and checking console (h). The disposable common unit can perform all the functions necessary for a treatment. These functions are not performed by self-contained members, but by a small number of flexible multifunctional parts, such as elements 14 and 15, each cooperating with rigid parts such as parts 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Abstract: An artificial kidney comprising a haemodialyser connected to a dialysis liquid circuit has the dialysis liquid circuit designed and simplified so as to be entirely disposable. Preferably, the haemodialyser and also all the circuits for the blood, for the dialysis liquid and for removing the ultrafiltrate are disposable. They can be delivered in a disposable container which can, during treatment, be used as a support and as a dialysis liquid reservoir. A small console includes the re-usable means for controlling and checking the artificial kidney, together with their electric circuits.

Abstract: A single-needle artificial kidney comprising a haemodialyser divided by a semi-permeable membrane into first and second compartments, one of which forms part of an extracorporeal blood circuit including a blood circulation pump and a single needle for inserting into the patient and a dialysis liquid circuit including the second chamber and a dialysis liquid pump. The dialysis liquid circuit is provided with means for periodically modulating the flow rate of the dialysis liquid in the haemodialyser between minimum and maximum values, the flow rate of the dialysis liquid being produced by a sensing pulsations of the blood at frequencies less than one hertz and using these pulsations via a servo-control to effect changes in the dialysis liquid flow rate so that it reaches maximum and minimum values simultaneously with maximum and minimum of the blood flow rate.

Abstract: A semi-permeable membrane which comprises either(i) a copolymer of acrylonitrile and at least one ionic or ionizable monomer, or(ii) a copolymer of acrylonitrile, at least one ionic or ionizable monomer, and at least one non-ionic and non-ionizable monomer, or(iii) a mixture of at least two copolymers as defined under (i) and/or (ii), or(iv) a mixture of at least one copolymer as defined under (i) and/or (ii), and at least one copolymer of acrylonitrile and at least one non-ionic and non-ionizable monomer, the ionic or ionizable monomer units representing from 1 to 80 mole % of the monomer units in one of said copolymers, and representing from 1 to 50 mole % of the monomer units in the membrane, said membrane having a degree of salt rejection of less than 1% and a permeability to water of more than 100 liters/day.m.sup.2 at a relative pressure of 2 bars is provided having excellent properties for use in ultrafiltration and dialysis.