Our Global History

Building on the groundbreaking work of Dutch physician Willem Kolff, who developed the first "artificial kidney" — made from wood slats, orange juice cans and a cellophane membrane — we produced the first commercial dialysis system.

We introduced the first peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution. PD filters waste from the blood of people in kidney failure through their peritoneal membrane rather than an external dialyzer.

We introduced to the U.S. market the first CAPD system that included solution bags, tubing with a spike at one end, a titanium luer lock to connect to the patient’s catheter, and an antiseptic solution to clean the spike/bag connection. 

We launched the Homechoice APD System, our automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) system, making it easier for PD patients to perform treatments in their homes as well as away from home.

We opened a plant in Singapore to make PD solutions for the Asian market.

We developed Extraneal, a non-glucose-based PD solution.

We acquired GAMBRO AB, a highly respected global innovator in kidney care.

We launched Amia with Sharesource, the first APD system with user-friendly features that help guide chronic kidney disease patients through home PD therapy, while keeping them remotely connected with their healthcare providers.

We pioneered HDx enabled by Theranova, a new hemodialysis therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease. The Theranova dialyzer features an innovative membrane that provides expanded hemodialysis therapy.

We launched our Kaguya APD System in Japan, reflecting local needs and demographics, and making it a viable treatment option for kidney care patients there.

We launched the PrisMax System, our next-generation system for continuous renal replacement therapy and multi-organ support therapies, including hemoperfusion, blood purification for sepsis management, extracorporeal CO₂ removal and therapeutic plasma exchange.

We developed myKidneyPlan (CKD&Me), our first patient-centered education mobile application for kidney disease.

We created PD Excellence Academy, a virtual training platform and educational resource center including accredited courses to help PD nurses improve home dialysis practices.