Method of blood flow measurement in arterio-venous hemodialysis shunts by indicator dilution

摘要

The present invention provides a method for measuring the blood flow rate within an A-V shunt via indicator dilution techniques. Unknown flow resistance within the A-V shunt are addressed by adjusting a measured flow rate to provide a flow rate within a predetermined margin of error. The calculated flow rate can be rejected based upon flow conditions of the introduced indicator. Different indicator introduction rates can be used to enhance accuracy of the measured flow. The indicator flow path can include a flow restrictor to limit the flow rate of the indicator to below a predetermined value.