Basic study of polyetherurethane coated bead-type activated charcoal for direct hemoperfusion.

A new type of activated charcoal for the direct hemoperfusion (DHP) has been developed for use in treatment of fulminant hepatic failure. Bead-type activated charcoal from petroleum pitch (BAC) was coated with polyetherurethane. The coating has permitted the charcoal to minimize the number of released microparticles and yet to show nearly the same adsorption performance as that of the non-coated BAC in vitro adsorption test. DHP using a fulminant hepatic failure dog induced by hepatic ischemia has shown improved consciousness and good biocompatibility as well as good clearance of toxic substances. As above, the newly developed bead-type activated charcoal coated with polyetherurethane can be considered effective in treatment of fulminant hepatic failure.