| CPC B01D 61/28 (2013.01) [A61M 1/16 (2013.01); A61M 1/1621 (2014.02); A61M 1/1678 (2013.01); A61M 1/34 (2013.01); B01D 61/18 (2013.01); B01D 69/02 (2013.01); B01D 69/06 (2013.01); B01D 2221/10 (2013.01); B01D 2323/28 (2013.01); B01D 2325/021 (2013.01); B01D 2325/08 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |

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1. A hemofilter for use in filtering blood in vivo, the hemofilter comprising:
stacked filtration membranes providing a plurality of flow paths for blood alternating with a plurality of flow paths for dialysate or ultrafiltrate at filtration regions of the hemofilter,
wherein a first flow path for dialysate or ultrafiltrate is defined between a second surface of a first membrane and a first surface of a second membrane and a first flow path for blood is defined between a second surface of the second membrane and a first surface of a third membrane,
wherein a second flow path for dialysate or ultrafiltrate is defined between a second surface of a third membrane and a first surface of a fourth membrane and a second flow path for blood is defined between a second surface of the fourth membrane and a first surface of a fifth membrane,
wherein the flow paths for dialysate or ultrafiltrate are fluidically connected to a common channel extending along the height of the stacked membranes, the common channel fluidically communicating with an opening in each of the flow paths for dialysate or ultrafiltrate, the common channel comprising an outlet for exit of ultrafiltrate or dialysate from the hemofilter,
wherein the flow paths for blood from filtration regions are within a continuous serpentine conduit for blood flow,
wherein the serpentine conduit includes a plurality of substantially U-shaped regions connecting the plurality of flow paths for blood,
wherein the serpentine conduit includes an inlet for flowing blood into a first end of the first flow path for blood and an outlet for exit of blood from the hemofilter,
wherein a second end of the first flow path for blood is connected to a first substantially U-shaped region that is connected to a first end of the second flow path for blood.
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