[1966: an automatic peritoneal dialysis machine. A personal experience]

In 1966 a self-made peritoneal dialysis machine according to Boen's model was built at the Nephrology Unit of the University of Turin (Italy) to facilitate the conduction of "rapid-exchange" peritoneal dialysis. Three timers controlled the dialysate inflow, dwell and outflow phases. Inflow and outflow times were reduced by means of wide dialysate lines and negative pressure in the drainage reservoir. A mechanical recorder registered the outflow curves. With rapid-exchange peritoneal dialysis, urea clearance increased from 18 to 34 mL/min, thereby improving the treatment of both acute and chronic renal failure patients.