Modeling of Hemodialysis Operation

Abstract

In this study, a theoretical model was developed to predict the solute concentrations in patients' blood and optimize the efficiency of the hemodialysis operation. The model takes into account simultaneous mass and momentum transfer on the blood side both in radial and axial directions. A key component of the model is the incorporation of the protein adsorption on the inner surface of the membrane. The validity of the model was confirmed with the experimental data available in the literature for two different types of hemodiafilter. To illustrate the importance of including the radial concentration gradients and protein adsorption kinetics in the model, the experimental data were predicted with and without consideration of these effects. The results have shown that assuming uniform concentration in the radial direction or neglecting protein adsorption on the inner surface of the membrane leads to higher error in predicting the experimental data. In addition, significant error can be introduced in the calculation of the dialysis time if protein adsorption is not considered. © 2010 Biomedical Engineering Society.