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Development of a low flow resistance intravenous oxygenator
W J Federspiel1, M S Hout, T J Hewitt
1McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|November 14, 1997
Summary
This study developed a novel intravenous oxygenator to reduce pressure drop in the vena cava for acute respiratory failure patients. The device uses a unique fiber bundle design to improve gas exchange while minimizing venous flow resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiopulmonary Support
Background:
- Acute respiratory failure necessitates advanced support devices.
- Intravenous membrane oxygenators offer potential but face challenges with vena caval pressure drop and venous return.
- Existing devices often require large membrane surface areas, exacerbating flow resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop an intravenous oxygenator minimizing in situ venous flow resistance.
- To overcome the limitations of current devices in managing pressure drop and venous return.
Main Methods:
- A novel device utilizing a constrained fiber bundle smaller than the vena cava was developed.
- An intentional shunt flow of venous blood around the fiber bundle was engineered to reduce pressure drop.
- A pulsating balloon within the fiber bundle was incorporated to facilitate reciprocating flow and optimize gas exchange perpendicular to fibers.
Main Results:
- The device demonstrated a minimal venous pressure drop, only a few millimeters of mercury for a 2 cm fiber bundle in a 2.5 cm blood vessel.
- Prototypes achieved significant CO2 and O2 exchange rates, up to 402 and 347 ml/min/m2, respectively, in acute animal studies.
- The design ensures efficient gas exchange through uniform fiber spacing and optimized blood flow dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The developed intravenous oxygenator effectively minimizes venous flow resistance.
- This innovative design offers a promising solution for enhanced gas exchange in patients with acute respiratory failure.
- The device's energy efficiency, driven by a pneumatic system, reduces reliance on venous pressure.