Abstract
Three extacapillry blood flow type hollow fiber membrane oxygenators (Mera-Excelung α, HF 5440 and Maxima) were compared for the simplicity of their set-up and operation, gas transfer capability and hemocompati-bility. Data were analyzed in 39 adult patients(pts.)who underwent open heart surgory(Excelung α, 15pts.; HF-5400, 11 pts. ard Maxima, 13pts.). The Exceluing α had the lowest priming volume, including that of the circuit, proved the simplest to set up, prime and operate, and was almost equal to the bubble oxygentor in its simplicity. The HF-5400 and. Maxima provided a more adequate oxygen transfer capability than did the Excelling α. There were no statistical differences in hemocompatibility between the three types of oxygenators, in terms of δ plasma free hemoglobin and platelet preservation ratio. Therefore, the Excelung α was characterizeed as a membrane oxygenator which compared with the bubble oxygenator in its simplicity and operability. On the other hard, the HF-5400 was also a membrane oxygenator having a better oxygen transfer capability than previous membrane oxygenators.
