Optimization of the IntraVascular Oxygenator Catheter Using Angular Oscillation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Oxygen Transport

Background:

• Bubble formation and suboptimal oxygen transport are challenges in current membrane oxygenator designs.
• Hyperbaric conditions require efficient gas exchange for medical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel hyperbaric membrane oxygenator catheter system using angular oscillations.
• To improve oxygen transport efficiency and mitigate bubble formation in hollow fiber membranes.

Main Methods:

• Angular oscillations were applied to hollow fiber membrane (HFM) bundles under hyperbaric conditions (up to 0.35 barg) with 100% oxygen.
• Oxygen flux and bubble formation were measured and compared to non-oscillating systems.
• Mass transfer coefficients were modeled to understand the relationship between oscillation parameters and flux.

Main Results:

• Oscillating HFMs doubled oxygen flux (up to 400 mL min⁻¹ m⁻²) compared to non-oscillating setups.
• Angular oscillations reduced the pressure required for similar oxygen flux by five-fold.
• Bubble formation on HFMs was significantly reduced or eliminated by angular oscillations.
• Increased oscillation speed enhanced oxygen flux, with a quasi-linear relationship observed.

Conclusions:

• Angular oscillations represent a promising methodology for enhancing oxygen transport and preventing bubble formation in hyperbaric membrane oxygenators.
• The developed compact oxygenating catheter shows potential for intravascular applications.
• Further optimization of oscillation parameters could lead to even greater improvements in oxygen mass transport.