Simple modified ultrafiltration.

After reviewing all available methods of modified ultrafiltration (MUF), an attempt was made to develop a more simplified approach to this beneficial method of post-bypass fluid removal by withdrawing blood from the right atrium and reinfusing into the aortic cannula (venoarterial). The simplicity of operation, ease of setup and analysis of hemoglobin, hematocrit, total proteins and colloid osmotic pressure, and fluid removed were examined in 12 consecutive neonatal and pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Results indicate that this simplified modified ultrafiltration (SMUF) is comparable to all other methods of MUF by achieving dramatic improvements in all parameters measured. In addition, SMUF provides the perfusionist with the ability to run conventional ultrafiltration throughout the bypass procedure, using this one circuit design. As well as finding the learning curve for SMUF to be very short, this method was found to be superior in its simplicity of operation, ease of setup, reduced risk of complications and acceptance by the surgeon and anesthetist.