During the last few decades a continuous research effort, entirely dedicated to haemodialysis, has allowed us to provide the medical community with many technological breakthroughs and innovative concepts.
1971
Introduction of AN69, the first highly permeable membrane.
1972
Introduction of the first dialysis monitor featuring volumetric control of ultrafiltration, developed and patented by Hospal.
1973
Introduction of the first single-needle dialysis system.
1975-1978
The unique permeability properties of the AN69 membrane enable the diversification of treatment methods: haemofiltration, then haemodiafiltration, are offered as alternatives to haemodialysis.
1980-1985
Development of the biocompatibility concept. It was born from the preliminary observations of outstanding differences in dialysis-induced leucopoenia and complement activation between the AN69 membrane and existing cellulose membranes. Since then, the AN69 membrane is still regarded as being at the forefront in biocompatibility.
1985
Application of the advantages of the AN69 membrane to acute renal failure therapy strategies: introduction of the first complete product range for CAVH and CAVHD.
1988
Introduction of acetate-free biofiltration (AFB™), a revolutionary alternative to dialysis and filtration techniques, using a buffer-free dialysate combined with reinfusion of sodium bicarbonate. This allows superior correction of uremic acidosis while totally suppressing the acetate-related effects.
1991
20 years of clinical experience support the unchallenged track record of the AN69 membrane benefits. A large European multicenter study documents the preventive impact of AN69 on the dialysis-related amyloidosis risk, which was found to be reduced by a factor of 5.5. Several publications from all over the world have since confirmed these findings. Complementary European and North American studies document the harmful effects of haemodialysis on muscle wasting and nutritional imbalance in dialysis patients. They show that the AN69 membrane prevents these effects and significantly improves the nutritional status.
1995
In order to optimize fluid removal and prevent hypovolemia-related hypotension, Hospal introduces a continuous and non-invasive blood volume sensor, the Hemoscan monitoring tool.
1996
Introduction of the first advanced IT communications system with dialysis equipment featuring a 2-way communication system with exclusive automatic prescription download. First patient card allowing individualized patient prescription.
1997
Hospal introduces a simple and original system allowing accurate and non-invasive assessment of treatment effectiveness, the Diascan monitoring tool.
1998
The Hemocontrol system, first application of the HOSPAL biofeedback system, enables, for the first time in the history of dialysis, treatment parameters to be automatically adjusted to the patient’s physiological status.
2000
The AN69ST membrane, the Crystal ST and Nephral ST dialyzers are successfully launched, preventing any contact phase activation within the first few minutes of the dialysis session, while preserving the AN69 membrane basic spectrum of performances: diffusion, convection, adsorption. The biocompatibility level remains unchanged, and thus reinforces the status of the AN69ST membrane as being the most biocompatible high-flux dialysis membrane.
The Physio dialysis system by HOSPAL becomes a new standard in dialysis. Integra Physio dialysis monitors equipped with Hemocontrol and Diacontrol biofeedback functions can adjust the dialysis parameters to the patient’s response for a therapy closer to patient physiology.
2001-2003
The AN69ST bioactive membrane opens new therapeutic perspectives. Heparin coating on the AN69ST membrane preserves its anticoagulant properties. Membrane permeability and biocompatibility remain unchanged. Heparin requirements during haemodialysis are strongly reduced by at least 50% without increasing the risk for clotting in the extracorporeal circuit.
2004
Introduction of the first dialysis technique allowing the profiling of the [K+] concentration in the dialysate to be carried out. AFB.K™ therapy enhances the benefits provided by the AFB™ technique; in addition, it ensures prevention of cardiac arrhythmias.