UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Annan, Kodwo
Dept./Program:
Mathematics
Year:
2009
Degree:
PhD
Abstract:
In an attempt to improve the quality and efficacy of Hemodialysis (HD) treatment many clinical and experimental approaches have been used to investigate solute transfer inside and across hemodialyzer membranes. However, these clinical and experimental protocols are expensive, time consuming, and often culminate in variable results. In addition, these experiments do not take into account the exchange of buffering (Bicarbonate HCO₃⁻) inside the dialyzer and therefore fails to describe fully and predict HCO₃⁻ dynamics across the membrane. Since flow distribution and HCO₃⁻ effect on solute transfer is indispensable for assessing and optimizing HDYs efficiency, we develop mathematical model to quantify solute transfer in HD with HCO₃⁻ dialysate.
The model couples blood, dialysate and transmembrane (TM) compartment flows with bicarbonate buffering and replenishment. Unsteady state Navier-Stokes equations are employed to simulate the different equations governing the solute concentrations at both sides of the membrane. Kedem-Katchalsky equations are used to compute the TM flow. Our results give valuable insights, account for, and predict the dynamic exchange of solutes, such as bicarbonate, hydrogen ions and carbon dioxide during a typical HD session. The study is attractive for probing, analyzing, and understanding some of the physical and biochemical complexities associated with HD treatment. It could be used as an investigative framework tools for optimizing and rationalizing the choice of operative conditions, such as flow velocities and pressure, solute concentrations, and ultrafiltration rates during the administration of HD therapy.
The model couples blood, dialysate and transmembrane (TM) compartment flows with bicarbonate buffering and replenishment. Unsteady state Navier-Stokes equations are employed to simulate the different equations governing the solute concentrations at both sides of the membrane. Kedem-Katchalsky equations are used to compute the TM flow. Our results give valuable insights, account for, and predict the dynamic exchange of solutes, such as bicarbonate, hydrogen ions and carbon dioxide during a typical HD session. The study is attractive for probing, analyzing, and understanding some of the physical and biochemical complexities associated with HD treatment. It could be used as an investigative framework tools for optimizing and rationalizing the choice of operative conditions, such as flow velocities and pressure, solute concentrations, and ultrafiltration rates during the administration of HD therapy.