A newly developed silicone-coated membrane oxygenator for long-term cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac support

The surface of polypropylene hollow fiber was successfully coated with a very thin (0.2 micron) silicone layer. Experimental studies were performed in long-term (6 h) normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using 10 goats. A conventional membrane oxygenator (Mera Excelung HPO-15H, MERA, Tokyo, Japan) was used for 5 goats as a control (Group C) and a new silicone-coated membrane oxygenator, which is of the same construction as that of the one used for Group C, for 5 (Group S). The O2 transfer and CO2 removal functions showed the same ranges. In the other parameters, there were no differences between the 2 groups. As for hemolysis, however, the plasma free hemoglobin of Group S was lower than that of Group C. Currently, 3 chronic percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) experimental models have been conducted, and there has been no evidence of thromboembolism or deterioration of the oxygenator. In conclusion, this new oxygenator is suitable not only for CPB, but also for long-term cardiac support.