Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Characterizing And Quantifying Shear-Induced Hemolysis In A Hollow Fiber Membrane System, Siddhi Bhat

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Clinical studies have shown that patients undergoing renal replacement therapy are more susceptible to developing hemolysis, or the rupturing of red blood cells. Rapid hemolysis can cause symptoms such as anorexia, vomiting, and even death in severe cases. The aim of this study is to identify how shear stress within a hollow fiber membrane impacts the level of hemolysis that occurs. This allows for the optimization of the ultrafiltration membranes that are typically used for hemofiltration treatments. The variables being studied are the radii of hollow fibers, number of fibers, and volumetric flow rate of blood being circulated. Here, we …