- Normal filter blood flows range between 50-200mL/min
- Choosing the appropriate flow is a trade-off between the advantages and disadvantages of high and low flows:
Advantages
Disadvantages
High Blood Flows
- A lower filtration fraction required thus reducing the risk of filter clotting
- Easier to match ultrafiltration rates and therefore fluid removal targets
- Increased risk of haemodynamic instability
- Increased risk of hypothermia or haemolysis
- Requires well-functioning access to prevent high suction pressures developing
- Increased risk of filter clotting due to high filtration fractions
- More challenging to meet fluid removal targets
Low Blood Flows
- Reduced haemodynamic instability
- Reduced risk of filter related complications
- Lower suction pressures needed to achieve flow rates
- Increased risk of filter clotting due to high filtration fractions
- More challenging to meet fluid removal targets