The measurement of blood density to investigate protein deposition at the blood/hollow fiber membrane interface during ultrafiltration
Dörp, E.; Schneditz, D.; Moser, M.
International Journal of Artificial Organs 14(7): 424-429
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0391-3988 PMID: 1889896 Document Number: 367883
Concentration polarization and secondary membrane formation change the membrane hydraulic permeability of capillary filters during hemofiltration reducing initial value filtration rates up to 50%. This leads to a significant loss of filter efficiency which must be taken into consideration when designing filters for long-term application such as in implantable artificial kidneys. By measuring blood density uninterrupted over a period of time using the mechanical oscillatory technique it is possible to follow the dynamics of protein deposition at the interface between the blood and capillary walls. The resulting picture of the deposition behaviour can lead to a better understanding of time-dependent filtration where flow and pressure conditions change. Protein deposition (Pt) with polysulfone membranes in relation to the effective capillary surface was in the range of 2.2. mg/(h x cm2) according to a logarithmic function (Pt = a + b x log(t)).