Examining the Impact of Heparin-Free Dialysis Supplemented with Infrared Lamp Irradiation on Coagulation in Dialyzers

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of infrared lamp irradiation therapy on the risk of arteriovenous fistula thrombosis in patients undergoing heparin-free dialysis and those receiving appropriate reductions in heparin anticoagulation dosage during dialysis. Methods: This study was conducted from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, involving 19 patients who regularly underwent heparin-free dialysis for more than three months at our hospital, totaling 70 patient encounters. Each patient underwent heparin-free dialysis for more than two cycles during the experimental period. The study employed a self-control design. Prior to the experiment, an experienced medical team established an emergency management group and formulated relevant emergency measures, ensuring the long-term stability of patients’ vital signs before enrollment. Patients requiring heparin-free dialysis as per medical advice underwent the procedure according to the treatment manual without additional interventions. During the second heparin-free dialysis session within the experimental period, patients received 40 minutes of infrared lamp irradiation as an adjunctive therapy during the dialysis process. The study observed coagulation in the dialyzer, blood biochemical indicators, the occurrence of adverse reactions, and patient satisfaction during treatment. Results: The use of heparin-free dialysis combined with infrared irradiation therapy resulted in better coagulation outcomes compared to heparin-free dialysis alone (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in blood biochemical indicators between patients receiving heparin-free dialysis combined with infrared irradiation therapy and those receiving heparin-free dialysis alone (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients experiencing adverse clinical symptoms such as angina, dizziness, and lower limb cramps, leading to treatment interruption, between those receiving heparin-free dialysis combined with infrared therapy and those receiving heparin-free dialysis alone (p > 0.05). Patient satisfaction was higher among those receiving heparin-free dialysis combined with infrared therapy compared to those receiving heparin-free dialysis alone (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of infrared lamp irradiation therapy as an adjunct to heparin-free dialysis can reduce the risk of coagulation to a certain extent without affecting the stability of core blood biochemical indicators in patients. It also reduces the incidence of clinical adverse reactions caused by coagulation, demonstrating good safety and improving patient satisfaction.