Nondestructive evaluation of blood flow in a dialyzer using X-ray computed tomography

It is very important to observe the concentrations and flow patterns of blood through a dialyzer to evaluate its function and to obtain the most appropriate design. We established a visualization method for the blood flow pattern in a dialyzer using X-ray computed tomography, and investigated the so-called internal filtration phenomenon. The results obtained were as follows: (1) The influence of 5% BaSO₄, which was added to the blood as a contrast medium, on the filtration rate of the dialyzer was minimal. (2) The relationship between the concentration of BaSO₄ and the Hounsfield unit value was expressed by linear regression. (3) Hounsfield unit values increased massively just after blood entered the dialyzer and peak values increased with dialysate perfusion under the following conditions: the dialyzer (BS-1.6UL, polysulfone hollow fibers) was used, and bovine blood with 5% BaSO₄ added was used at a blood flow rate of 200 ml/min. The dialysate flow rate was 500 ml/ min and the slice thickness of X-ray computed tomography was 1-10 mm. (4) It was observed that blood flowed slightly faster in the center than the peripheral portion of the dialyzer, when the flow pattern was followed after pulse injection of blood containing 20% BaSO ₄ into the dialyzer. It was concluded that this method could possibly be utilized not only qualitatively but also quantitatively for observation of the real state of blood flow and in designing dialyzers.