Hollow fiber hemodialyzers for partial respiratory support

Acute respiratory failure is still characterized by a high mortality rate, in spite of the development of ingenious treatment modalities involving mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal respiratory support. The coexistence of renal failure further complicates the outlook for respiratory failure patients. In this paper the development of the blood oxygenator and current aspects of its application are described. The concept of applying dialysis membranes for partial respiratory support is presented. An experimental animal model which was performed with A-V cannulation using dialysis membranes for partial respiratory support and simultaneous dialysis is analyzed. It is concluded that dialysis membranes are efficient for blood gas exchange and that their use in the management of the above-mentioned types of critically ill patients is promising.