Abstract: A method and apparatus for rinsing and priming an exchanger divided into first and second compartments by a semi-permeable membrane, the first compartment intended for circulating blood to be treated and the second compartment intended for circulating a purifying liquid comprising the steps of circulating a sterile solution through the second compartment and depositing a protein film on at least one side of the membrane. The apparatus includes means for circulating a sterile solution through the second compartment, and means for depositing a protein film on at least one side of the membrane.

Abstract: An artificial kidney capable of operating without a dialysis machine for the treatment of chronic renal failure in discontinuous sessions consisting essentially of:a. a source of a prepackaged dialysis liquid;b. a hemodialyzer with a high permeability membrane continuously traversed by the blood and the dialysis liquid;c. means for collecting the used dialysis liquid and possibly the ultrafiltrate;d. means for measuring the patient's variations in weight; ande. possibly means for injecting a sterile and apyrogenic liquid into the extracorporeal blood circuit.This artificial kidney is particularly intended for operating in a non-hospital environment.

Abstract: An installation having interchangeable functions for the replacement of the natural filtration of the blood. The installation has a reservoir of a sterile physiological solution. A three-way valve is provided in communication with an outlet of the reservoir. By selective adjustment of the three-way valve, the physiological solution from the reservoir may be selectively conveying to a first compartment of an exchanger for the spontaneous or assisted blood circulation and a second compartment for spontaneous or assisted circulation of a dialysis liquid and/or of an ultrafiltrate. A hydraulic resistor is provided for adjusting the circulation conditions of the physiological solution.