Willem Johan Kolff

About

Physician who replicated the function of kidneys through the world's first dialysis machine.

Before Fame

While fighting in the Dutch Resistance during World War II, he built the first artificial kidney.

Trivia

He built the first dialysis machine with parts scavenged around from the war, and even included part of a wrecked German fighter plane.

Family Life

He had five younger brothers.

Associated With

Renee Laennec was another physician whose invention, the stethoscope, helped to advance the practice of medicine.