Continuous renal replacement therapy. Keeping the circuit open: lessons from the lab.

Background: Hemofiltration circuits generally require anticoagulation to prevent the membrane from clotting. Understanding the mechanisms involved in premature clotting of the filtration circuit is useful to optimize anticoagulation and maintain filter patency.

Aims: To discuss research performed at our institution which throws light on the causes of premature clotting of the hemofilter, and to highlight our approach to anticoagulation.