Evaluation of the thrombogenicity of selected microporous oxygenator membranes

A comparative study of the thrombogenicity of several microporous membranes was performed using an ex vivo system simulating the conditions in an artificial lung. A study of platelet adhesion and adsorbed protein layer indicated that the membranes separated into three groups. Copolyurethane membranes adsorbed very few platelets and appeared to be most compatible; microporous polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene membranes were intermediate in their response; silicone rubber and silicone rubber-coated paper membranes showed numerous platelet clots, often involving neutrophils and fibrin, and were the least blood compatible.