any pros or cons on the optiflux electron beam dialyzers? patient reactions? etc

I am in the process of studing this. We have a pt. that will drop his blood pressure from 206/105 to 104/60 in 10 min after the start of treatments, blood sugar also drops in this time, he goes into seizures and has had to have his airway stablized. After 500cc of saline and stablization. He is fine to get 3 kg off and still can't run over a 300 flow has a great graft. It reminds me of the days of dry dialzers and 1st use reaction. or a volume problem. I am wondering what the residue is in the Electron Beam sterilization process. We used to prime 2 bags of saline for the sensitive people. But FMC police now is not half that. Anyone know what the residue from this is? The Dializer is a F180NR. Thanks. It does say that their is rare side effects in the paper in the dializer box. But it does not list reactions or symptoms

There is no residue in the E-Beam Dialyzer, it is sterilized by using radiation. Have you considered that they still use Ethylene Oxide to sterilize the Blood Tubing Sets?

While there may be no sterilant residue, I am not so sure that the e beam does not change the potting compound in some way.

quote:

Originally posted by <Dialysis Rat>:
[qb] While there may be no sterilant residue, I am not so sure that the e beam does not change the potting compound in some way. [/qb]

Please explain that theory? Is that just your opinion or have you read something about the process? I do know that the sterilization process gives the dialyzer shell that purple hue, but I have never heard anything about the potting compound. Further, how would that affect the patient to the point of having a reaction?

Sorry for all the questions, I just like to know where others are getting their information.

I read a long time ago about gamma irradiated dialyzers and the changes caused in the potting compound creating toxic substances. The potting compound comes in direct contact with the blood at the top of the header. At the top of the header, the potting compound is cut during manufacturing to open the ends of the hollow fibers. So you have direct contact. Any toxic substances would be injected right into the blood stream.

This is a very interesting topic. Obviously there should be no ETO residue because of the e-beam sterilization process, but there are some effects on different types of plastics-some more than others-and even with those, it's exposure time dependent. If you google electron beam radiation you'll see lots of links. Some of those will discuss molecular changes brought about by the process.

I don't know a lot about these dialyzers but unless the fibers are heat-extruded, there can be small amounts of residual solvents.

It seems as though no matter what we want to find something bad, not look at the good side...is it just our culture today!!??