Unsolved technical problems of maintenance dialysis

The present paper describes some of the technical inadequacies in the clinical practice of dialysis. Problem areas of hemodialysis, i.e., those related to blood access, dialyzer and delivery system, are treated in depth. Corollaries with peritoneal dialysis are obvious. Research priorities, in particular development of a more sophisticated delivery system, are suggested. The intent of this discussion is to outline a rational progression in improvement of care of the end-stage renal disease patient.