Development of an extracapillary blood flow type menbrane oxygenator for extracorpoeal menbrane oxygenation

Abstract

We have newly developed the extracapillary blood flow type hollow fiber oxygenator for clinical use in ECMO. Two types of oxygenator polypropylene hollow fiber (PPHF) and silicone hollow fiber (SHF) oxygenator have been developed. PPHF oxygenator probed highly efficient in gas transfer and minimam effects to the blood components. But it was thought to be inappropriate to use PPHF oxygenator in ECMO because of serum leakage in long term use. SHF oxygenator probed satisfactorily efficient in oxygen transfer in vitro. In conclusion, SHF oxygenator could have the utility for ECMO.