Continuous low flow hemofiltration with sorbent regeneration of ultrafiltrate.

In summary, a series of experiments have culminated in the maintenance of 2 anephric sheep for 48 and 72 hrs with CLF-HF treatment. Ewe A died of hemorrhage secondary to systemic heparinization and recent surgery. Ewe B was terminated electively. The technique of CLF-HF proved satisfactory in the control of urea, creatinine and water. Sodium and hydrogen ion balance required substantial therapeutic manipulations in addition to CLF-HF to maintain satisfactory balance with the present system. Technical and functional performance of the ultrafilter was better than anticipated. Cartridge performance was sufficiently satisfactory to demonstrate that the procedure will work. The unphysiologic linking of urea, hydrogen and sodium sorption resulted in difficulty in maintaining satisfactory sodium and hydrogen balance. Coupling a disposable reprocessing system, which lacks the deficiencies mentioned above, with continuous hemofiltration can provide a truly wearable artificial kidney.