Blood purification device using membranes derived from poly(vinyl alcohol), and copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol

Abstract

Hollow fiber membranes have been developed by using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAL) for blood purification devices including hemodialyzer and plasmapheresis. This paper covers the manufacturing processes of those hollow fiber membranes, blood filtering characteristics of those membranes, and their application to blood purification devices. Hemodialyzer consisting of EVAL hollow fiber membrane enables us to conduct nonanticoagulant hemodialysis because of excellent blood compatibility of the membrane, and exhibits improved efficacy for renal failure patients under hemodialysis because of unique permeation characteristics of the membrane. Double filtration plasmapheresis can be performed using two filters, plasma separator consisting of PVA hollow fiber membrane, and plasma fractionator consisting of EVAL hollow fiber membrane. © 1987 The Society of Polymer Science, Japan. All rights reserved.