| [ Summary ] |
Blood flow rate is a key factor which affects dialysis efficiency. The blood flow rate indicated on the LCD (liquid crystal display) of dialysis consoles and dialysis machines may differ from actual blood flow rates. These rates are calculated by measuring the number of revolutions at the blood pump. The different rates are due to varying blood extraction from arterial blood shunts. In dialysis therapy, blood is circulated into an extracorporeal circuit by a blood pump. As a result, the inlet pressure of blood pumps generally becomes negative. In Japan, therapeutists confirm the level of blood extraction by visual inspection of a volume of pillow which is inserted into blood circuits. However, this method makes it difficult to calculate accurate inlet pressure at the blood pump. International standards have indicated the necessity to monitor arterial pressure (which is the inlet pressure at the blood pump), and it is a necessary to monitor actual blood flow rates and arterial pressure. |