Balanced, Membrane Mediated Hemoperfusion

We will develop methods of hemopurification using sorptive techniques. Substances to be removed aremetabolites, and related compounds which will pass through membranes so that there will not be direcsorbent and blood of the patient. The approach will minimize removal of substances from blood whichcomponents and required for normal metabolism. Among the goals are treatment of drug overdosage, somand hepatic insufficiency, and also metabolites of drugs which are used in chemotherapy, but may betissues as they circulate at toxic levels. Dr. Draheim states that the technique will not deplete plintroduce any of the sorbent material as microemboli into the patient's circulation. The technique wwhich has a long shelf life. In depicting the system, one observes that toxic material will pass frothrough hollow fiber membranes in the module into a circulating pool of normal plasma. The materialof sorbent particles which will act upon it. Normal pooled human plasma will be equilibrated with thhighly permeable hydrophobic membranes so that relatively non-dialyzable possibly toxic materials capre-equilibration step with plasma will avoid losing desirable substances from the patient's circulagiven to excessive citrate passing into the patient through the membrane. Desirable substances are nthere is a separate circuit of plasma equilibrated with sorbent. We will also fine particles of sorbcirculation. Dr. Draheim has had experience will filtration procedures for whole human blood using hobtaining plasma. The sorbents to be used are powdered active carbon and granular active carbon. ResA wide variety of membrane materials will be tested. This will include polypropylene, various typesacrylics. Cost and permeability properties will be taken into consideration. Experimental systems wito current techniques for extracorporeal therapy for terminal renal disease. For Phase I, experimentwith animal or human volunteers. During Phase I, the FDA will be asked about how to extend the workanimal and human domain. As the system is designed commercially, the plasma can be stored therein foLyophilized plasma may also be used, in which case sterile saline will be added to reconstitute theprecautions are already in place for another Phase II project. Pre-screened blood for HIV and hepatifrom the Red Cross. Donor anonymity will be assured.