The development of a new hemoperfusion column: the filmadsorber.

A hemoperfusion system has been developed in which very small charcoal particles (average diameter 40 micrometers) are embedded and immobilized in a collodion film (Filmadsorber). In vitro studies revealed that the absorption of bile acids by these small charcoal particles is superior to that by larger ones (size: 0.5 to 5 mm) as used in commercially available adsorbers. In vivo studies confirmed these results: dogs with ligated bile ducts were subjected to hemoperfusion through different types of charcoal adsorbers. Bile acid clearances of filmadsorbers containing less charcoal than the commercials were significantly higher.