We have published a scientific paper on Health and Technology journal, about an Ultrafiltration rate modulation system for CRRT applications
Extracorporeal ultrafiltration is an attractive alternative to diuretics for removing excess plasma water in critically ill patients suffering from fluid overload. In continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), ultrafiltration occurs in isolated form (Slow Continuous Ultrafiltration, SCUF) or supplemented by replacement fluid infusion (Continuous veno-venous Hemofiltration, CVVH) and the net fluid removal rate is controlled by peristaltic pumps.
MediCon Ingegneria developed a pump-free solution for regulating the ultrafiltration rate in CRRT applications. The ultrafiltration technology consists of a pinch-valve (clamp) with an intermittent opening, driven by an actuation system.
The clamp opening is modulated via software with a closed-loop control system, based on the real-time measurement of the ultrafiltrate volume collected and any replacement fluid infused. The ultrafiltration process is passively guided by the pressure drop on the ultrafiltration line, thus avoiding a dedicated transmembrane pressure sensor, with consequent simplification of the device hardware and disposable circuit compared to standard peristaltic pump solution.
The developed clamp system has been validated in the operational environment and represents a valid alternative to state-of-the-art solutions in terms of performance, with potential usability advantages. The compliance with safety requirements given by international standard IEC 60601-2-16 is a prerequisite for clinical use.
The project developed by MediCon Ingegneria has been published as original paper in Health and Technology journal:
“A novel pump-free ultrafiltration rate modulation system for continuous renal replacement therapy applications”
Authors: Alessandra Ventresca, Guido Comai, Stefano Severi.
The paper is available at the following link