Gambro AK200 ULTRA Hemodiafiltration Study

The AK200 ULTRA is a new device in the United States, but has been used for several years in Europe. The AK200 ULTRA is a single unit which is preprogrammed to provide standard hemodialysis as well as hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration with on-line preparation of the substitution fluid The AK200 ULTRA hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration is performed using a high flux membrane with high ultrafiltration rates compensated by volumetrically controlled infusion of on-line prepared substitution fluid. The AK200 ULTRA is, therefore, capable of providing dialysis treatments which can improve the removal of medium to high weight molecules without the difficulties associated with the manual measurement and administration of external substitution fluid. This study is designed to assess the safety, efficacy and dialytic capabilities of hemodiafiltration with on-line prepared substitution fluid using the AK200 ULTRA in comparison to conventional hemodialysis. This study is motivated by the need for a commercially available product capable of administering hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration in a clinical setting. The ultimate goal of this study is to improve morbidity and mortality in the ESRD patient population in the United States.