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Component selection to optimize blood flow for continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration and dialysis
M Roberts1, A J Montez, D B Lee
1Nephrology Department, Sepulveda Veterans Administration Medical Center, California 91343.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Understanding extracorporeal blood flow resistance is key for dialysis. This study quantifies resistance in catheters, hemofilters, and dialyzers to aid component selection and optimize extracorporeal systems.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Blood flow in extracorporeal access (e.g., dialysis) is limited by system resistance.
- Manufacturer data on component resistance is inconsistent due to varied testing conditions.
- Variations in catheter inner diameter significantly impact flow resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the pressure/flow relationships for extracorporeal circuit components.
- To provide reliable data for selecting optimal dialysis system components.
- To facilitate accurate estimation of blood flow in extracorporeal systems.
Main Methods:
- Measured pressure at various flow rates using a water manometer.
- Determined pressure/flow relationships for catheters and hemofilters/dialyzers.
- Analyzed logarithmic function for catheter pressure/flow data.
Main Results:
- Catheter pressure/flow relationship followed a curve, best described by a logarithmic function (slope=1.48).
- Hemofilter and dialyzer pressure/flow relationship was linear, with an origin-close intercept.
- Provided resistance data at 50 and 100 ml/min for component comparison.
Conclusions:
- Established standardized pressure/flow data for extracorporeal components.
- Enables informed selection of catheters, hemofilters, and dialyzers.
- Facilitates improved prediction and management of blood flow in dialysis circuits.