Ultrafiltration regulation by differential weighing

摘要

Hemodialysis ultrafiltration apparatus comprises a hemodialyzer, a supply line for supplying fresh dialysate to the hemodialyzer. A drain line is provided for removing spent dialysate from the hemodialyzer. The dialyzer is adapted to be connected to a patient so that the patient's blood may be supplied to and removed from the hemodialyzer. A weighing mechanism allows a fixed amount of fresh dialysate, by weight, to flow through the hemodialyzer. Spent dialysate emerging from the hemodialyzer is then weighed by the weighing device to determine the weight differential therebetween to monitor and control the amount and rate of ultrafiltrate removed from blood in the hemodialyzer. A method of hemodialytic ultrafiltration is carried out substantially in accordance with the above-described apparatus.