CAVH, also known as Continuous Arteriovenous Hemofiltration, is a medical procedure used in the field of nephrology to treat patients experiencing acute kidney injury (AKI). It is a type of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) that is employed in critical care settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs), where patients require immediate and ongoing renal support.
During CAVH, blood is continuously withdrawn from the patient through an arterial catheter, which is connected to a specialized dialysis machine. This machine filters the blood by passing it through a semi-permeable membrane, allowing waste products, toxins, excess fluids, and electrolytes to be removed. The filtered blood is then returned to the patient through a venous catheter.
This procedure mimics the natural function of the kidneys by providing continuous replacement of the kidney's filtration function. It helps optimize fluid balance and electrolyte levels, and removes waste products to prevent further kidney damage. CAVH allows for precise control and adjustment of fluid and solute removal rates, making it particularly suitable for critically ill patients with fluctuating renal function.
The efficiency of CAVH makes it an effective treatment option for patients with AKI, providing continuous renal replacement therapy without causing rapid fluid shifts or hemodynamic instability often seen with other dialysis methods. However, close monitoring of patients' hemodynamics, fluid status, and electrolyte levels is crucial to ensure appropriate therapy adjustments and prevent complications.
