Hemoperfusion is used to complement existing blood purification technologies, such as hemodialysis and/or continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT), in the management of drug or chemical toxicities, and hepatic encephalopathy. Hemoperfusion may be used simultaneously with hemodialysis, or CRRT, to take advantage of the clinical benefits of each of these therapies. The clinical indications stated above are usually treated in intensive care units. Due to the nature of these indications, it is a challenge to deliver this blood purification technique. Some blood purification technologies have been improved to address this. An example is the Prismaflex® system, used for CRRT or TPE; it now allows the use of a hemoperfusion set. This learning module was created to provide information in the clinical use of hemoperfusion, including principles of treatment, components of therapy, and clinical considerations. Use this under the guidance of a clinical leader, in conjunction with your unit’s policies and procedures.
Hemoperfusion is the process whereby blood is passed through a sorbent system to remove specific toxic substances in the blood. The sorbent system is made up of a plastic housing, or cartridge, which contains the granules that allow adsorption of molecules.
