| [ Summary ] |
Internal-filtration enhancing hemodialysis can be achieved by modifying the flow of blood and dialysate inside a dialyzer. This new modality dialysis can efficiently remove middle molecular solutes by convection, and possibly contribute to the wellbeing of dialyzed patients. However, internal filtration has not been quantified until recently, because dialyzers were considered to be “black boxes”, in which the flow phenomena was too complex to be measured.
In order to develop a method to measure the rate of internal filtration, we utilized Doppler ultrasound, which is readily available in many of the medical institutions. We detected blood flow waves on the surface of the dialyzer, and measured their velocities. By recording them at the inlet and center of the dialyzer, the rate of internal filtration was successfully calculated. This procedure was considered to be a useful, monitoring technique in dialysis therapy. |