What was the primary anticoagulant used in the first artificial kidney?

The primary anticoagulant used in the first artificial kidney was hirudin. Hirudin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant derived from leeches, and it works by directly inhibiting thrombin, which plays a crucial role in the coagulation cascade. In the context of early dialysis technology, maintaining blood flow through the artificial kidney was critical, as the devices were prone to clotting. Hirudin's effectiveness in preventing clot formation made it a suitable choice during the initial stages of renal replacement therapy.

Understanding the role of hirudin in this context is important, as it laid the groundwork for the development of more modern anticoagulants used in dialysis today. The use of hirudin showcased the need for effective anticoagulation in dialysis treatments, leading to further advancements in anticoagulant therapies over the years.