A report on the use of five bubble oxygenators for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery

Bubble oxygenators available for cardiopulmonary bypass vary in design and in price. Choice of oxygenator is often made on the basis of price, or an empirical assessment of performance. This paper reports our clinical experience with five "hard shell" bubble oxygenators--Harvey H 1500, Harvey H 1000, Shiley S100A, Cobe Optiflo II and Bentley BOS 10. Data relating to gas transfer, heat exchanger performance, haematological changes and oxygenator design is presented and some comparisons made.