A new semiautomated apparatus for hemofiltration.

A new semiautomated apparatus for hemofiltration has been described. It is a postdilutional hemofiltration system that utilizes the RP-610 dialyzer and is made of standard lines used for hemodialysis, a blood pump and two precise volumetric pumps, Logeais-TEC model, for the ultrafiltrate and for the substitution fluid. The ultrafiltrate compartment of the hemofilter is connected to a manometer for detecting positive or negative pressure. The transmembrane pressure TmP is given only by the pressure on the blood side that is regulated by the screw clamp in the venous line. Once started the whole system may be regulated by this screw clamp in order to maintain zero pressure in the ultrafiltrate compartment, provided that ultrafiltration rate does not exceed 65 ml/min. This system is sufficiently accurate to replace bed scales or any other gravimetric device.