Rationale and Need for Simpler and Effective Miniaturized Bedside Ultrafiltration Devices.

Abstract

Fluid overload in different acute or chronic clinical settings results in unfavorable outcomes. The use of restrictive strategies for fluid control or the use of diuretics is frequently ineffective and requires extracorporeal ultrafiltration for the removal of excess volume. These extracorporeal treatments are performed with bulky machinery and require highly specialized personnel. The creation of a miniaturized device for extracorporeal ultrafiltration (artificial diuresis) would fill the technological gap in this sector by responding to the needs of cost containment and rehabilitation of the patient. In this article, we explain the rationale that led to the design of this device.