hemofiltration
Pronunciation: hee-moh-fil-TRAY-shun
Blood purification technique that removes excess fluid and inflammatory mediators during cardiac surgery, often integrated with cardiopulmonary bypass circuits.
Full Definition
Hemofiltration is a blood purification technique that uses convective transport across a semipermeable membrane to remove excess fluid, electrolytes, and inflammatory mediators from the blood during cardiac surgery. This technique is often integrated with cardiopulmonary bypass circuits to manage fluid balance, reduce inflammatory response, and improve postoperative outcomes. Hemofiltration can be performed as conventional hemofiltration, modified ultrafiltration, or zero-balance ultrafiltration, depending on the specific clinical goals and timing relative to bypass termination. The process involves removing plasma water along with dissolved substances and replacing it with a balanced electrolyte solution. Medical editors should distinguish between hemofiltration and hemodialysis, as the mechanisms and clinical applications differ significantly in cardiac surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Specify type when relevant (conventional, modified, zero-balance); distinguish from dialysis-based therapies.
In Context
- "Continuous hemofiltration was employed during bypass to remove inflammatory mediators and optimize fluid balance." — operative report
- "The pediatric patient underwent modified ultrafiltration following cardiopulmonary bypass to concentrate blood components." — case report