Bidialysis: A new Technique

Abstract

An increase in solute removal, a shorter dialysis session, the patient's well being and the reduction of global costs are the principal aims of the new hemodialysis methods. The simultaneous use of two hemodialyzers in hemodialysis has been experimented by other researchers. Our technique involves the use of two cuprophan hemodialyzers in sequence (double filter system: DFS), each one connected separately to fresh dialysate. Fifteen symptomatic large patients were treated with DFS and the results were compared to conventional hemodialysis (CHD). After the first hemodialyzer, modification of pH and electrolytes occurred in the plasma composition. In the second hemodialyzer, urea depuration occurred without further significant changes in hydroelectrolytic or acid-basic plasma patterns. The Kt/V increased from 1.10 to 1.29 (18%). The authors conclude that in DFS there was an advantage in urea clearance, osmolarity stability and reduction of side effects.

Improving Hollow Fiber Dialyzer Efficiency with a Recirculating Dialysate System II: Comparison Against Two-Chamber Dialysis Systems

“…1 shows an in-series dialyzer arrangement (HDS) in which the dialysate and the blood pass through the two units sequentially in a countercurrent manner. 9 A second in-series dialyzer system with independent dialysate fluid circuits, denoted as bidialysis (BD), 34 is shown in diagram (b). An in-parallel dialyzer arrangement (HDP) is presented in diagram (c).…”

“…27,34 One of their major drawbacks is the increment of cost caused by the use of an additional dialyzer cartridge. In-series dialyzer arrangements may present undesirable backfiltration (dialysate flux directed to the blood compartment) and fiber clotting.…”