[Findings of scanning microscopy studies and gas-transfer results in long-term perfusions using membrane oxygenators...

Twelve hours partial extracorporeal circulation using the GEDL was carried out in sheep with experimental pulmonary insufficiency. The maximal O2-transfer was 53,8 ccm/min/m2 membrane surface at blood flows of 2 and 3 1/min. The CO2-transfer was nearly 30 ccm/min/m2 if the pCO2 was within the normal range. There was evidence, that the O2-transfer decreases during prolonged perfusion. Scanning-electron-microscopic studies revealed a thickening of the membrane with protein and cell-fragments which were thought to be the reason for the observed decrease in O2-transfer.