Non-destructive evaluation of membrane lung gas exchange performance

This paper describes a method of evaluating the gas exchange effectiveness of hollow fiber oxygenators utilizing gas on both sides of the membrane. The goal of the study was to develop an evaluation technique which was accurate, reliable, and did not harm or contaminate a new, sterile oxygenator. Three pediatric oxygenators were tested and compared: the Medtronic Minimax Plus, the Terumo Capiox 320, and the Sorin Masterflo 34 (all with rated blood flows of 2-2.5 L/min). Gas entering the "blood" side was a mixture of CO2, O2, and N2 in a mixture matching typical venous blood partial pressures. The "blood" flows used were 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 L/min. Gas entering the gas port had an FiO2 of 0.4 flowing at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, or 3.5 L/min. Fractional contents of CO2 and O2 at all inlets and outlets were determined using a gas analyzer and converted to partial pressures. Efficacy indices and gas transfer rates were calculated and compared. Of the devices studied, the Masterflo 34 had the highest gas transport rates and effectiveness followed by the Minimax-Plus and the Capiox 320. Reversing the direction of the flow through the "blood" phase of the Minimax-Plus greatly changed its gas exchange effectiveness. The techniques described in this study should allow for a more uniform and consistent evaluation of gas exchange by membrane lungs which can be made inexpensively and relatively quickly. In addition, these methods should allow manufactures to evaluate gas exchange effectiveness and transfer rates of individual units during production as well as reduce the complexity involved when evaluating newly developed oxygenators.