| Theme |
Progress and Future in Blood Purification |
| Title |
Extracorporeal circulation without anticoagulants |
| Author |
Akira Fujimori |
Department of Artificial Kidney, Konan Hospital |
| Author |
Hidemune Naito |
Department of Artificial Kidney, Konan Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
When heparin was the only anticoagulant available, the techniques for extracorporeal circulation without anticoagulants were extensively investigated in the field of hemodialysis. Now although new anticoagulants, other than heparin, can be used, problems concerning anticoagulants are drawing attention. This is because continuous hemofiltration is more commonly performed and some patients are treated on home dialysis. Further investigations are required to improve antithrombogenicity for the dialysis membrane, blood tubing lines, and dialyser modules. |