Abstract
A new develolped membrane oxygenator consists of silicone hollow fiber membrane oxygenator, heat exchanger and arterial blood reservoir. As outside flow type is employed in this oxygenator, gas transfer is realized by gravity venous drainage. Animal experiments using 10 sheep were carried out, in normothermic CPB for 8 hours (high flow group 4.7±0.5L /min, low flow group 1L/min). Performances of this oxygenator were evaluated in gas transfer capability and hematological exatnination. Blood gas was maintained with high PO2 and acceptable PCO2 levels throughout CPB. Plasma free hemoglobin was significanty low compared with polypropylene hollow fiber oxygenator. Consumption of platelet and fibrinogen was also maintained within physiological levels. These results suggest that this oxygenator has high performance of gas exchange with least blood cell trauma and also useful for pulsatile and/or separating CPB because of arterial blood reservoir.
