Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Peripheral Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Left Ventricular Venting
Published on: January 17, 2025
A multicenter feasibility study on ultrafiltration via a single peripheral venous access in acute heart failure with
Marco Morpurgo1, Mario Pasqualini2, Maria Cristiana Brunazzi2
1Centro Cardiologico Monzino, I.R.C.C.S., Milan, Italy.
Insights
The CHIARA system offers a feasible approach for ultrafiltration in acute heart failure (AHF) patients, removing significant fluid via a single peripheral venous access without major complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Central venous catheters limit ultrafiltration use in acute heart failure (AHF) with fluid overload.
- A novel approach is needed to facilitate widespread ultrafiltration in AHF management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of the CHIARA system for ultrafiltration using a single peripheral venous cannula.
- To assess fluid removal efficacy and safety in AHF patients.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, prospective feasibility study involving 103 ultrafiltration sessions with the CHIARA device.
- Treatments involved a single peripheral venous access, lasting ≥6 hours with an ultrafiltration rate ≥100ml/h.
- Evaluated venous access performance, fluid removed, and interruption causes.
Main Results:
- Successful completion in 92% of sessions and 80% of patients.
- Median fluid removal of 3266±3088ml per session (183±30ml/hour).
- No significant complications related to venous access or anticoagulation.
Conclusions:
- The CHIARA system demonstrates clinical applicability and efficacy for fluid removal in AHF.
- A single peripheral venous access is sufficient for effective ultrafiltration.
- This approach may expand ultrafiltration use in AHF treatment.
Objectives:
The need for a central venous catheter has limited the widespread use of ultrafiltration in daily clinical practice for the treatment of acute heart failure (AHF) with overt fluid overload. We evaluated the feasibility of a new ultrafiltration device, the CHIARA (Congestive Heart Impairment Advanced Removal Approach) system, that utilizes a single-lumen cannula (17G, multi-hole) inserted in a peripheral vein of the arm.
Methods:
In this multicenter, prospective, feasibility study, consecutive ultrafiltration treatments (lasting ≥6 hours and with an ultrafiltration rate ≥100ml/h) with the CHIARA device and a single peripheral venous approach were performed at 6 Italian hospitals. For each session, we evaluated the performance of the venous access, the ultrafiltrate volume removed, and the cause of its interruption.
Results:
One-hundred-three ultrafiltration sessions were performed in 55 patients with AHF (average 1.9±1.7 treatment/patient). The overall median length of ultrafiltration treatment was 14h (interquartile range 7-21) with removal of 3266±3088ml of fluid (183±30ml/hour). The treatment was successfully completed in 92 (89%) sessions and in 80% of patients. The mean suction flow rate from the vein was 70±20ml/min, while the mean re-injection flow rate was 98±26ml/min. There were no clinically relevant complications related to the venous access and/or to the anticoagulant therapy with heparin.
Conclusions:
The study demonstrated that the CHIARA system satisfies clinical applicability and efficacy criteria in the treatment of AHF, in terms of adequate fluid removal through a single peripheral venous access.
More Related Videos
07:59Bedside Ultrasound for Guiding Fluid Removal in Patients with Pulmonary Edema: The Reverse-FALLS Protocol
Published on: July 28, 2018
10:38Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Hemoperfusion and Hemofiltration