The Hospal AN69 hydrogel-type membrane was the first highly permeable membrane. The unique permeability properties of this membrane enabled the diversification of treatment methods. Since the development of the biocompatibility concept in the mid 80’s AN69 has been regarded as the gold standard in biocompatibility.
More than 30 years of clinical experience support the unchallenged benefits of the AN69. Several studies document the harmful effects of haemodialysis on muscle wasting and nutritional imbalance in dialysis patients. But they also show that AN69 prevents these effects and significantly improves the nutritional status.
The specific surface treatment of the membrane with the polyethyleneimine biopolymer has been developed to prevent blood contact activation. In addition it binds heparin molecules during priming with a pre-heparinized saline solution. This means that less systemic heparin may be given to the patient to complete the dialysis session reducing risks* and constraints associated with systemic anticoagulation.
The AN69 ST product family consists of the Crystal ST series (flat sheet membrane) and the Nephral ST series (hollow fiber membrane). Crystal ST and Nephral ST prevent the contact phase activation within the first few minutes of the dialysis session, while preserving the AN69 basic spectrum of performances: diffusion, convection, adsorption. They also feature a greater adsorption capacity for both inflammatory mediators and toxins.
The Hospal synthetic membrane, Arylane, which is made of original polymer exhibits an optimal physical structure allowing very high permeability to water and solutes and remarkable neutrality to blood constituents.
* Bleeding, Heparin-induced deranged lipid profiles such as hyperlipidaemia , dyslipidaemia or cholesterol embolism, osteoporosis, Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and Heparin-induced hyperkalaemia and hypernatraemia.