Hemofiltration during Extracorporeal Circulation (ECC)

In cardiac surgery hemofiltration can be used: 1. to balance fluids during ECC, especially in long-term perfusion; 2. to carry out open heart procedures in patients with terminal renal insufficiency; 3. to treat acute hyperkalemia. The model of the 12.5 by 4.5 cm DIAFILTER TM and the model of operation are described. The compounds of the ultrafiltrate (UF) are identical with that of plasma water. Particles with a molecular weight of less than 50,000 can pass freely across the filtration membrane. The filtration capacity is 100 cc/min UF (Q blood: 300 cc/min, pressure across the membrane 600 mm Hg and hematokrit (Hkt) 25%). The technical details of operation are explained. Its general use as well as its simplicity is demonstrated in 10 patients.