Discusssion

Ultrafiltration is conventionally used for managing fluid and solute overload in patients with oliguric renal failure. In recent years it has been shown to be of benefit in patients requiring removal of harmful small cytokine molecules that may be present in septic states as well as the removal of drugs that contribute to bleeding after cardiac surgery. Fluid removal is also beneficial in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery where use of high volume intracellular cardiolpelgia is making a resurgence. In this presentation, I will explain the rationale and circuits used in different types of ultrafiltration concentrating in indications for & outcomes of zerobalanced ultrafiltration.