Study of the Optimal Circuit Using Simultaneous Apheresis with Hemodialysis

Abstract

Patients with end-stage renal failure receive hemodialysis treatment. Some patients receiving the treatments need apheresis according to their co-existing diseases. The simultaneous application for the combination of plasmapheresis with hemodialysis has been reported. However, this procedure is complicated and sometimes has the risk of iatrogenic accident, so manufacturers do not recommend the combination because of the product liability law. On the other hand, this combination has a lot of benefit such as saving time for not only the patients but also health care givers. The simultaneous treatment will be widely applied for patients if the safety and validation is established and simpler procedures are provided. We developed a new circuit for the simultaneous treatment in this study. The pressure and flow volume were determined while the fluid viscosity was altered. The new circuit proved to decrease the priming volume by 40%. The pressures and flow volumes resulted in ranging within the safe and validated levels. This developed circuit will promise the safety and simplicity for patients and health care providers.