Consequences of Debris in Circulation from Medical Devices

  • Thread starter tandoorichicken
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In summary, at high shear rates, red blood cells can become elongated and oriented in one direction, allowing for smooth blood flow. However, if the shear rate is too high, the cells may become strained and part of the cell membrane may detach. This can happen in poorly designed medical devices and can lead to pieces of cell membrane floating in the circulation. These membrane vesicles can potentially cause serious health problems such as blood clots, stroke, and other conditions. Low doses of aspirin are often used to prevent this, and red blood cell debris is typically removed through the liver and intestines.
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tandoorichicken
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At a high shear rate, red blood cells become elongated and oriented in one direction, facilitating smooth blood flow. However, at a high enough shear rate, the cells will become so strained that a part of the cell membrane pinches off. This often occurs in poorly designed medical devices that keep blood moving through the body during surgery. These membrane vesicles aren't filtered out once the blood passes from the machine back into the body, so my question is, what are the consequences of having these pieces of cell membrane floating around in the circulation?
 
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  • #2
I think that pieces of cell membrane will do nothing... They are insignicantly small...

It's when you have blood clots being released into the circulation where you can get serious problems... This can lead to life threatening conditions such as stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolsims...etc... people take low doses of aspirin to try and prevent this...
 
  • #3
Red blood cell debris are cleaned out via the liver, carried with bile into the intestines and removed through the bowel.
 

1. What are some common medical devices that can cause debris in circulation?

Some common medical devices that can cause debris in circulation include stents, catheters, pacemakers, and artificial heart valves.

2. How does debris from medical devices affect the body?

Debris from medical devices can cause blockages in blood vessels or organs, leading to reduced blood flow and potential damage to tissues and organs. It can also trigger inflammatory responses and increase the risk of infection.

3. How common are complications from debris in circulation from medical devices?

The frequency of complications from debris in circulation varies depending on the type of medical device and the patient's individual health factors. However, it is estimated that around 1-2% of patients experience complications related to debris in circulation from medical devices.

4. Can debris from medical devices be removed from the body?

In some cases, debris from medical devices can be removed through surgical procedures. However, this may not always be possible or safe, and the decision to remove the debris will depend on the specific circumstances and risks involved.

5. How can the risk of debris in circulation from medical devices be minimized?

The risk of debris in circulation from medical devices can be minimized by using high-quality, well-designed medical devices, regularly monitoring the patient's condition and the device's performance, and carefully following proper insertion and removal techniques. Additionally, patients with a higher risk of complications should be closely monitored and may require alternative treatment options.

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