Intermediate
Technical
IVT
ultrafiltration
Process of removing excess fluid from blood during or after cardiopulmonary bypass using a semi-permeable membrane.
Full Definition
A technique that uses hydrostatic or osmotic pressure gradients across a membrane to remove excess water and small solutes from the patient's blood during extracorporeal circulation. Conventional ultrafiltration removes fluid during bypass, while modified ultrafiltration occurs after bypass termination. This process helps reverse hemodilution, reduce tissue edema, and concentrate blood components, particularly beneficial in pediatric patients where fluid balance is critical.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from dialysis, which removes toxins rather than just fluid.
In Context
- "Ultrafiltration was initiated to remove 800ml of excess fluid accumulated during bypass." — Perfusion note
- "The hematocrit improved from 24% to 32% following aggressive ultrafiltration." — Laboratory report
Also known as
hemofiltration
fluid removal
Contrasted with
fluid administration
Don't confuse with
dialysis
plasmapheresis