Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH) Program

Overview

The Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH) program is a short term treatment used in ICU patients with acute or chronic renal failure. Usually, hemodialysis is typically done for patients with kidney failure. However, if the patient has low blood pressure or other contraindicators to hemodialysis, CVVH may be a necessary alternative.

If necessary, our nephrologists will assess the patient and order settings for CVVH. The ICU nurse will set up the CVVH unit, while the bedside nurse will run CVVH and troubleshoot problems while taking care of the patient.

About This Program

Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH) is a temporary treatment for patients with acute renal failure who are unable to tolerate hemodialysis and are unstable.

With CVVH, a dialysis catheter is placed in one of the main veins of the body. This catheter has two separate lines. Blood flows out of the catheter and into the CVVH machine, which then goes into a filter where waste fluid is taken off. Fluids and electrolytes (i.e. sodium and potassium) are then replaced. Finally, the blood is returned back to the patient through the catheter.

CVVH is typically used until the patient's kidney function returns or hemodialysis can be initiated.