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PubMedDate not supplied

Mass transfer in a hollow fiber device used as a bioartificial liver.

The transport of albumin, glucose and fluid in a hollow fiber bioartificial liver (BAL) was predicted by theory and measured experimentally. Results from the experiment were used in a three compartment transport model to estimate the transfiber fluid flux. Fluid convection driven by the transfiber pressure gradient transported solutes across the semi-permeable fibers of the BAL. Diffusion contributed significantly to the transfiber transport of both glucose and albumin. Modification of the BAL system hydraulic geometry significantly increased transfiber pressure gradient with corresponding increase in transfiber fluid flux. Transfiber solute transport was increased by osmotically driven transport which resulted from the revised flow geometry. Substantial delivery of hepatocyte synthesis products is possible with careful control of the physical parameters and operating conditions of the BAL.

Albumins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of sorbent-based dialytic therapy with the BioLogic-DT on an experimental model of hepatic failure.

An experimental model of hepatic failure in the dog has been developed in which the liver is devascularized in two stages. Under general anesthesia, a portacaval shunt is created, ligatures placed around the hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries, and the dog recovered. Two days later under general anesthesia, the ligatures are pulled, converting hepatic insufficiency to hepatic failure. Five control animals developed hypotension, severe lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and increasing liver enzyme levels during 6 hrs of follow-up. The BioLogic-DT system includes a cellulosic plate dialyzer with a suspension of powdered charcoal and cation exchangers as dialysate. Five animals were treated with the BioLogic-DT for 6 hrs after creation of hepatic failure. These animals were more stable physiologically, developed less lactic acidosis and less enzyme elevation, and maintained high normal blood glucose levels. The results help explain the clinical improvement demonstrated in patients with hepatic failure treated by the BioLogic-DT, and confirm that many of the toxins of hepatic failure are dialyzable and bound by simple sorbents such as charcoal and cation exchangers.

Ammonia↗