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Dialysis

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Dialysis is a diffusion-based purification process that separates analyte molecules from a complex matrix. This is accomplished by allowing molecules in the solution to pass through a semipermeable membrane into a liquid on the other side. The membrane is usually made of cellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate, and the second liquid must be miscible with the solution. Ions (e.g., chloride or sodium) or organic molecules (e.g., glucose) can pass through the membrane pores, which generally have...

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Updated: May 10, 2026

A Microfluidic System with Surface Patterning for Investigating Cavitation Bubble(s)–Cell Interaction and the Resultant Bioeffects at the Single-cell Level

A Microfluidic System with Surface Patterning for Investigating Cavitation Bubble(s)–Cell Interaction and the Resultant Bioeffects at the Single-cell Level

Published on: January 10, 2017

Two-dimensional computational analysis of microbubbles in hemodialysis.

Gholamreza Keshavarzi¹, Tracie J Barber, Guan Yeoh

¹School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. g.keshavarzi@unsw.edu.au

Artificial Organs

|July 6, 2013

Summary

Standard hemodialysis air traps are ineffective at removing potentially harmful microbubbles, posing risks to patients undergoing chronic kidney disease treatment. Further research is needed to improve dialysis safety features and protect patient health.

Keywords:

Air trap Computational fluid dynamics Hemodialysis Microbubble

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Imaging and Quantification of the Area of Fast-Moving Microbubbles Using a High-Speed Camera and Image Analysis

Published on: September 5, 2020

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

A Microfluidic System with Surface Patterning for Investigating Cavitation Bubble(s)–Cell Interaction and the Resultant Bioeffects at the Single-cell Level

A Microfluidic System with Surface Patterning for Investigating Cavitation Bubble(s)–Cell Interaction and the Resultant Bioeffects at the Single-cell Level

Published on: January 10, 2017

Imaging and Quantification of the Area of Fast-Moving Microbubbles Using a High-Speed Camera and Image Analysis

Imaging and Quantification of the Area of Fast-Moving Microbubbles Using a High-Speed Camera and Image Analysis

Published on: September 5, 2020

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Nephrology
Fluid Dynamics

Background:

Patients with end-stage renal disease undergo frequent hemodialysis (HD), increasing exposure to extracorporeal system imperfections.
Microbubbles, potentially generated or inadequately detected by dialysis air traps, are linked to adverse health effects in HD patients, including lung and brain injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the dynamics of microbubbles within hemodialysis air traps.
To evaluate the efficacy of conventional air traps in removing microbubbles of various sizes.

Main Methods:

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed to model blood flow and microbubble behavior within the air trap.
Simulations focused on bubble dynamics under typical hemodialysis conditions.

Main Results:

The study found that conventional air traps are largely ineffective at removing microbubbles.
Almost all bubbles smaller than 50 μm and most bubbles between 50-200 μm in diameter pass through the air trap.
Air traps are not effective in removing bubbles less than 200 μm in diameter.

Conclusions:

Standard hemodialysis air traps fail to remove clinically significant microbubbles.
The findings highlight a critical safety concern in hemodialysis treatment, necessitating improved microbubble removal strategies.