The Comparison of Albumin Dialysis between Open- and Closed-Loop Dialysis Modes

The open-loop albumin dialysis mode (OLM) is usually used to remove protein-bound toxins from artificial liver support systems. However, there is still interest in closed-loop albumin dialysis mode (CLM) because this mode could enable the regeneration and reuse of albumin and minimize the physical size of liver support systems. In this paper, the two dialysis modes were theoretically compared under various theoretical conditions. Our results show that at the beginning of the dialysis period, in terms of detoxification efficiency, CLM is better. As the molar ratio of toxin to albumin in the blood (RTA) decreases, the overall performance of CLM approaches that of OLM in 4-hour dialysis. In certain cases, the clearance of albumin-bound toxins by CLM could be as effective as that by OLM; occasionally, CLM is even more effective.