Clinical comparison between membrane and bubble oxygenators in cardiopulmonary bypass

The clinical course of two similar patient groups was compared in whom, during cardiopulmonary bypass, a membrane or bubble oxygenator was employed. According to our results there is no significant functional difference between the two types of oxygenators as long as the perfusion time does not exceed 90 minutes. Beyond this time limit, the membrane oxygenator has distinct advantages, particularly with regard to hemolysis. We presently prefer the bubble oxygenator. The use of a membrane oxygenator is restricted to complex open heart procedures with suspected technical problems.