In vitro evaluation study of the membrane autotransfusion system experimental prototype: MATS-I

Membrane Autotransfusion System (MATS) utilizing plasmapheresis technology has been developed in our laboratory. A specially designed polyethylene hol low fiber membrane was utilized. This study was conducted to evaluate perfo rmance of the first experimental prototype, MATS-I. The results of this stu dy showed that the MATS-I could concentrate diluted blood at 10% of the ini tial hematocrit concentration (HCTi) into over 40% after passing through th e system at a transmembrane pressure of 70 mm Hg. Moreover, the MATS-I can continuously treat 10,000 ml of diluted blood at various HCTi levels withou t deteriorating its performances. Even though the MATS-I met all required p erformances as an autotransfusion system, several areas of improvement of t he system were necessary to meet various clinical needs. The next prototype , MATS-II, can be designed based on experiences obtained from the MATS-I. T he MATS is smaller, more atraumatic and continuous, and is a faster system when compared to the currently available centrifugal autotransfusion device s.