摘要 |
This invention is a membraneless filtration device and a method for performing hemodialysis on a patient using it and methods of manufacturing the filtration device. In a preferred embodiment, the filter is composed of at least one channel where the dialysate circumferentially surrounds the blood to reduce or eliminate the need for anticoagulation through reduced hemolysis and thrombogenicity. In the preferred embodiment the filter is configured to be used with a typical dialysis machine and hemodialysis is separated into an iso- or hyper-volemic filtration phase, followed by a phase where the patient's blood volume is reduced to normal levels. In another embodiment the device is adapted to be implanted or worn externally to serve as a portable artificial kidney. The device described herein could also find application as a blood oxygenator in cardiopulmonary bypass, or for use as an artificial liver or lung. |