Non-machinery-based system for cell-free, concentrated autogenous ascitic fluid reinfusion

A non-machinery-based system for the reinfusion of ascitic fluid was developed and assessed. In fundamental studies utilizing bovine serum, this procedure proved economical, quick and useful. The most suitable filter was PS-R (#405-2). Bovine serum with a protein concentration below 3.0 g/dl was treated using this system. Samples containing blood (prepared to 0.5% hematocrit) were also treated, but the treatment time required was double that of serum with the same protein concentration. In both cases the protein recovery ratios were about 90%. We conducted clinical studies on 62 occasions (machinery-based system; 31 times, non-machinery-based system; 31 times) on 19 cases of ascites refractory to treatment with various drugs including diuretics. Clarification of the differences between the non-machinery-based system, indicated the former to be superior. This new procedure is easier because of its use of no machinery, and the high protein recovery ratio proved its usefulness.