After reviewing all available methods of modified ultrafiltration (MUF), an
attempt was made to develop a more simplified approach to this beneficial
method of post-bypass fluid removal by withdrawing blood from the right atr
ium and reinfusing into the aortic cannula (venoarterial). The simplicity o
f operation, ease of setup and analysis of hemoglobin, hematocrit, total pr
oteins and colloid osmotic pressure, and fluid removed were examined in 12
consecutive neonatal and pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Res
ults indicate that this simplified modified ultrafiltration (SMUF) is compa
rable to all other methods of MUF by achieving dramatic improvements in all
parameters measured. In addition, SMUF provides the perfusionist with the
ability to run conventional ultrafiltration throughout the bypass procedure
, using this one circuit design.
As well as finding the learning curve for SMUF to be very short, this metho
d was found to be superior in its simplicity of operation, ease of setup, r
educed risk of complications and acceptance by the surgeon and anesthetist.