腔内支架植入治疗TASCⅡ C、D型股腘动脉慢性闭塞病变

目的 探讨泛大西洋协作组织(TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus,TASC)ⅡC、D型股腘动脉慢性闭塞腔内支架治疗的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2011年6月46例(51条下肢)TASCⅡC型和D型股腘动脉闭塞患者腔内治疗的临床资料.46例中男27例,女19例,年龄52～88岁,平均(70 ±8)岁.术前Rutherford症状分级:3级重度间歇性跛行29条,4级静息痛12条,5级轻微组织缺损6条,6级组织溃疡、坏疽4条.总结分析技术成功率、患肢术后临床症状、踝肱指数(ankle brachial index,ABI)变化,并发症发生率和通畅率.结果 技术成功率90.2％ (42/51),治疗成功者共植入支架93枚.术后ABI 0.71 ±0.23,较术前0.42 ±0.13提高,两者差异有统计学意义(t=-7.281,P＜0.01).42例技术成功者均获随访,平均随访(14.6±1.2)个月.术后6个月的一期通畅率、辅助通畅率和累积通畅率分别为81.0％、88.1％、90.5％,术后12个月的一期通畅率、辅助通畅率和累积通畅率分别为66.7％、71.8％、79.5％.结论 TASCⅡC、D型股腘动脉慢性闭塞腔内治疗是一种安全有效的方法.     

严重肢体缺血的股腘动脉TASC C/D级病变的腔内治疗

目的 评估腔内治疗股腘动脉TASC C/D级病变导致的严重症肢体缺血的疗效.方法　回顾性分析2009年1月至2012年1月因泛大西洋协作组(TASC)ⅡC和D级股腘动脉闭塞导致下肢严重缺血87例患者接受血管腔内治疗结果,男58例,女38例,平均年龄(76±10)岁.Rutherford 4期68条肢体,5期23条肢体,6期5条肢体.统计手术前后踝肱指数(ABI),术后靶血管通畅率,保肢率.结果 87例患者(共96条肢体)接受血管腔内治疗,技术成功率94.80％,单纯行球囊扩张13条肢体,支架植入80条肢体,导管溶栓辅助球囊扩张和支架术8条肢体,跨膝关节支架47条肢体.围手术期主要并发症发生率为19.08％,死亡2例.术前ABI平均为0.25±0.17,术后ABI为0.76±0.23.所有患者均获得随访,平均随访(12±6)个月.术后1个月靶血管通畅率为94.79％,3个月为93.73％,6个月为88.01％,12个月78.34％,24个月为68.38％.术后1个月肢体救治率为95.83％、3个月为95.83％,6个月为93.42％,12个月93.42％,24个月为83.04％.结论 股腘动脉TASC C/D病变导致严重缺血患者腔内治疗的并发症发生率和再狭窄率较高,但近期肢体救治效果良好.     

股腘动脉闭塞症的手术治疗

目的 探讨股腘动脉旁路移植术治疗下肢动脉硬化闭塞症(C、D级病变)的近中期疗效.方法 2005年1月至2009年2月,170例患者(191条肢体)行股动脉以远血管重建术.其中男性108例,女性62例;年龄45～85岁,平均67岁.症状包括间歇性跛行78例,静息痛62例,下肢缺血性溃疡19例,远端组织坏死11例.所有患者术前均行动脉造影检查,根据TASC Ⅱ分级:C级病变127条肢体,D级病变64条肢体.手术方法包括大隐静脉原位旁路移植术15条肢体,大隐静脉转位20条肢体,人工血管旁路移植术128条肢体,大隐静脉与人工血管组合旁路移植术28条肢体.结果 围手术期无死亡病例.术后随访6～36个月,平均(24±6)个月;76例失访,随访率57%(109/191).一期通畅率84.4%(92/109),其中人工血管旁路移植通畅率88.2%(75/85),大隐静脉(原位、转位、组合)旁路移植通畅率70.8%(17/24).二期通畅率89.9%(98/109).结论 人工血管旁路移植术是治疗严重股腘动脉闭塞症(TASC C和D级病变)的主要方法,手术疗效满意.     

腘动脉局域超选技术用于股浅动脉内膜下顺行开通

目的 研究腘动脉局域超选法在完成股浅动脉顺向内膜下开通中的作用.方法 2009年1月至2011年12月对467例患者(550条肢体)行腔内治疗,病变均为泛大西洋协作组(Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus,TASC)定义的ⅡC/D级股腘动脉闭塞.统计其中直接应用腘动脉局域超选技术和传统真腔超选方法的62条肢体,观察其手术成功率、手术时间、症状改善和随访情况.结果 在550条肢体中,62条肢体直接应用了腘动脉局域超选技术,其中9条肢体未能顺向返回真腔操作.53条肢体(85.5％)完成手术,平均手术时间(69 ±24) min,平均支架应用数(1.8±0.6)枚,平均覆盖长度(33 ±6) cm.46条肢体(86.8％)术后早期症状有所改善,6条无明显变化,1条截肢.39条肢体术后随访1年,6个月通畅率为87.1％,12个月通畅率69.2％.另外488条肢体应用传统超选方法的肢体中,完成顺向开通378条(77.5％),平均手术时间(89±30)min,平均支架应用数(2.1±0.6)枚,平均覆盖长度(31 ±13) cm.79.4％( 300/378)的肢体术后早期症状得到改善,292条肢体进行了术后1年的随访,6个月通畅率为92.1(269/292),12个月通畅率61.0％(178/292).结论 股浅动脉长段闭塞患者的腔内治疗中,采用腘动脉局部超选法可以在不增加移植物基础上有效缩短手术时间.     

逆行开通技术治疗TASCⅡ C/D型股腘动脉硬化闭塞症

目的探讨逆行开通技术治疗TASCⅡ C/D型股腘动脉闭塞病变的价值。方法回顾性分析于我院接受逆行开通技术治疗的TASCⅡ C/D型股腘动脉硬化闭塞症患者36例。比较术前与术后踝肱指数(ABI)及间歇性跛行距离,分析术后血管通畅率及并发症。结果 36例均成功开通,术后7天及3、6、12个月间歇性跛行距离和ABI均较术前均明显增加(P均0.05)。术后3、6及12个月患肢血管通畅率分别为97.22%、91.67%及72.22%。随访期间无死亡或截肢,围手术期并发症发生率11.11%(4/36)。结论逆行开通技术可作为顺行开通TASCⅡ C/D型股腘动脉硬化闭塞症失败后的一种补救方法。     

微创技术结合外科手术治疗重症下肢缺血

目的 探讨术中血管微创治疗技术结合外科手术治疗重症下肢缺血的初步临床经验。方法 1999年7月至2000年10月,采用术中同时行髂动脉腔内微创治疗技术(球囊扩张和支架植入)结合肢体远端动脉重建术治疗广泛多节段动脉硬化闭塞症15例(20条肢体)。结果 术中17条髂动脉微创介入治疗均获成功,11条肢体同时行股-腘动脉人工血管旁路术,3条肢体行股-股-腘动脉人工血管旁路系列转流术,5条肢体行股深动脉成形术。其中有1条肢体股-腘动脉旁路术失败。本组患者无重要脏器并发症和手术死亡。平均随访时间8个月(1-16个月),髂动脉腔内支架通畅率100％,3条股-股动脉耻骨上人工血管转流均通畅,而股-腘动脉人工血管通畅率78．6％,截肢率10．0％。结论 术中髂动脉腔内微创介入治疗技术同时结合远端动脉重建术是治疗广泛多节段动脉硬化闭塞症的害全右特肯沸．     

股腘动脉闭塞腔内成形术与旁路转流术的临床疗效对比分析

目的探讨股腘动脉闭塞行腔内治疗和旁路转流术的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2008年1月至2011年12月本院收治的60例(67条肢体)股腘动脉闭塞(TASCⅡC/D型)患者的临床资料,其中腔内治疗41例(47条肢体,腔内治疗组),旁路转流术19例(20条肢体,旁路转流术组),比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后恢复行走时间、踝肱指数(ABI)及随访1~4年的通畅率及保肢率。结果腔内治疗组术中出血量、手术时间及术后恢复行走时间明显少于旁路转流术组(P0.01);两组术后ABI及技术成功率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6~12个月的随访,腔内治疗组一期通畅率与旁路转流术组的通畅率比较,差异无统计学意义(43.6%vs 50.0%,P0.05);术后18~48个月的随访,腔内治疗组二期通畅率及保肢率高于旁路转流术组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(79.5%vs 50.0%,P0.05)。结论腔内治疗与旁路转流术治疗TASCⅡC/D型股腘动脉闭塞患者在短期内均能取得满意临床疗效及较好通畅率;但腔内治疗有着微创、术后恢复快等优点,且具有可重复操作性,有助于提高患肢远期血管通畅率。     

股腘动脉闭塞腔内治疗的彩色多普勒超声随访检查

目的 评价彩色多普勒超声在股腘动脉闭塞腔内治疗患者随访中的临床应用价值.方法 应用彩色多普勒超声对57例股腘动脉闭塞腔内治疗患者进行随访,检测腔内治疗术后动脉内血流动力学变化.结果 本组57例均获随访,随访率100％.随访时间3～33个月,平均(13±7)个月.经彩色多普勒超声检查后发现患肢动脉轻度狭窄31例,中度8例,重度6例,完全闭塞12例;57例中FontaineⅠ期7例,Ⅱ期42例,Ⅲ期6例,Ⅳ期2例;ABI≥1.0有2例,0.8≤ABI＜ 1.0有10例,0.5≤ABI ＜0.8有31例,ABI＜0.5有14例.动脉狭窄程度与Fontaine分期和ABI指数均呈正相关性(r =0.47,P＜0.01;r =0.66,P＜0.01).29例同时接受DSA检查,超声和DSA检查结果具有显著一致性(Kappa值=0.61,P＜0.01),超声诊断股腘动脉闭塞的敏感性92.0％ (23/25),特异性75.0％ (3/4),准确性89.7％(26/29).结论 彩色多普勒超声可实时监测腔内治疗术后股腘动脉血流动力学变化,是评估临床疗效有效的无创检查方法.     

TASCⅡ C、D型股腘动脉闭塞腔内治疗的操作技巧与疗效分析

目的观察TASCⅡ C、D型股腘动脉闭塞腔内治疗的临床疗效,分析影响治疗效果的可能因素与操作技巧。方法 2009年1月～2010年6月,89例(113条患肢)TASCⅡ C、D型股腘动脉闭塞患者接受腔内治疗。对患者术后3、6和12个月时的临床症状、踝肱指数(ABI)、并发症发生率和累计通畅率进行分析。结果成功开通病变肢体共106条,技术成功率93.8%。36条(34.0%)患肢出现并发症。75例患者(共92条下肢)获得随访,随访率为86.8%。平均随访时间12.5个月。术后3、6和12个月时的平均ABI分别为0.74±0.39、0.68±0.38和0.66±0.31,与术前比较(0.43±0.39),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。术后12个月的一期通畅率、辅助通畅率和二期通畅率分别为64.6%、72.4%和81.5%。结论 TASCⅡ C、D型股腘动脉闭塞腔内治疗是一种安全有效的方法。熟练的腔内操作技术和规范的术后指导是提高技术成功率和维持动脉早中期通畅的关键。     

血管腔内成形术治疗髂动脉硬化闭塞症

目的 探讨血管腔内成形术治疗髂动脉硬化闭塞症的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2002年12月至2008年12月收治的61例(76条血管)髂动脉硬化闭塞症患者的临床资料,其中男46例,女15例.平均年龄(67±11)岁.主要临床症状包括严重的间歇性跛行(跛行距离<100 m)38例,静息痛13例,肢/趾端溃疡10例.TASC A型病变29例,B型16例,C型11例,D型5例.应用导丝导管或超声消融开通闭塞段,行腔内支架置入术后随访.结果 61例患者71条血管成功开通(共置入63枚支架),开通率93%(71/76).成功者临床症状改善率100%.踝肱指数(ABI)由术前0.33±0.17提高到术后0.72±0.20,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).随访51例,随访率83%.随访时间6-60个月,平均(26±14)个月.1年通畅率90%(TASC A、B组92%;TASC C、D组84%).3年通畅率75%(TASC A、B组80%;TASC C、D组63%);5年通畅率72%.结论 髂动脉硬化闭塞的腔内成形术较传统的血管重建手术创伤小、并发症低,近、中期通畅率相当.     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.