Abstract
We have developed a new CAVH filter (0.4m2) containing polysulfone hollow fiber membrane. We evaluated its performance in vitro using bovine blood. UFR at TMP=100mmHg was Lp=43.5ml/hr.mmHg.m2. This indicated that, even in hypotension, a high UFR can be expected. SC for middle molecules was also outstanding; SC for inulin (MW5200) was over 0.8 and 0.0 with albumin. ECUM was performed on long-term hemodialysis patients and WBC count was monitored for variation, during treatments. There was no transient reduction of WBC, reflecting excellent hemocompatibility. We clinically applied the filters with 10 patients suffering from nephrosis, cardiac and/or renal failure for 20 to 156 hours. During the treatments, there was no trouble, and the performance was consistent. Seven out of 10 patients showed a good prognosis, reflecting the effectiveness of CAVH.
