Discovery and Relative Importance of Continuous Arteriovenous Hemofiltration

Abstract

Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) has seen a brisk upswing in popularity in Europe since its introduction by Dr. Kramer and colleagues from Göttingen, West Germany in 1977 [1]. In the United States, the technique received approval as a clinical tool from the Food and Drug Administration in April 1982. This approval flowed, in no small measure, from the extensive experience reported from Europe and in particular West Germany [e.g., 2, 3]. Reports of its clinical Utility now have begun to appear in the United States [4].