The thin-film adsorber hemoperfusion device: development and evaluation of clearance characteristics

A novel hemoperfusion device was developed by embedding powered activated charcoal in thin (150 micrometer) films of cellulose nitrate. These films were sprinkled with small particles of granular charcoal and wound into spools, which were then placed in a plastic housing. The use of powdered charcoal exploits the enormous rate-of-uptake advantage of powered charcoal over the granular sorbents found in other hemoperfusion devices. The granular carbon sprinkled on the films was primarily to provide spacing between adjacent film layers for adequate fluid flow; the granules did enhance long-term uptake in addition. Clearance tests with this novel "thin-film adsorber," using sodium salicylate, sodium barbital, and creatinine, showed that its rate of solute adsorption, particularly at early times, was consistently very high. This type of hemoperfusion device is a promising alternative to the granular-sorbent types of devices currently available, especially when maximal solute removal during the early stages of treatment is mandated.