Baxter and Edwards Lifesciences have combined together to form a critical care nephrology alliance in order to offer a comprehensive portfolio. In the UK this portfolio is managed by Edwards Lifesciences. For further details please contact the Edwards Lifesciences customer services on 0870 6062040.
Continous Renal Replacement Therapies (CRRT)
Continuous renal replacement therapy is a treatment for patients with acute renal failure where fluid and toxins are removed at a continuous and slower rate than intermittent therapies therefore placing less stress upon the patient. Blood is removed from the patient via a catheter by a pump and is filtered to remove fluid and toxins by the processes of ultrafiltration, convection and/or diffusion. In some cases a physiological solution is given to the patient to maintain hydration of the patient. There are 4 commonly used types of CRRT and blood is usually accessed via a central venous catheter.
Slow Continuous Ultrafiltration (SCUF)
This uses the machine to remove fluid from the patient by applying pressure to the haemofilters.
Continuous Venovenous Haemofiltration (CVVH)
This uses the machine to remove fluid and toxins from the patient by applying pressure to the haemofilters, but a physiological, substitution fluid is infused to the patient to maintain hydration status and restore chemical balance. This relies on the principles of ultrafiltration and convection.
Continous Venovenous Haemodialysis (CVVHD)
This uses the machine to remove fluid and toxins by applying pressure to the haemofilters and using a dialysate. The dialysate enables the toxins to be removed by diffusion whilst the fluid is removed by ultrafiltration.
Continuous Venovenous Haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF)
This uses the machine to remove fluid and toxins by applying pressure to the haemofilters, using a dialysate and also infuses a substitution solution. This uses the principles of ultrafiltration, convection and diffusion.
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