Clinical experience with a new hemofilter (Amicon Ireland Minifilter Plus) in pediatric open heart surgery

Abstract

New hemofilter (Amicon Ireland Minifilter Plus) was employed in 30 pediatric open heart surgeries as extracorporeal ultrafiltration method (ECUM). Blood was drained from the arterial side of CPB and returned to the venous side and ECUM was performed continuously during CPB. Total filtration volume and removal rate of water by ECUM were 343±142ml and 5.1±2.4ml/min, respectively. Average ECUM-to-urine excretion ratio of water was 4.6±5.6. Hemoconcentration seemed effective, because hemoglobin level was significantly increased from 6.3±1.6g/dl to 7.4±2.4g/dl (p<0.05) after termination of ECUM. Total protein, albumin, and serum electrolytes values did not significantly change before and after ECUM. The small hemofilter (Amicon Ireland Minifilter Plus) was effective and safe as an equipment of ECUM in pediatric open heart surgery.