CLINICAL EVALUATION OF INFANT MEMBRANE OXYGENATORS, “M-16” IN COMPARISON WITH “MINIMAX” AND “MENOX AL-2000”

Abstract

In open heart surgery for infants, we studied clinical applicability of the newly developed membrane oxygenator M-16 in comparison with the MINIMAX and the MENOX AL-2000. The M-16 has a special structure of rigid metal plates covered with silicone membranes and showed an excellent O₂ and CO₂ transfer performance compared with the other oxygenators. There were no statistical differences in hemocompatibility among the three types of oxygenator in terms of plasma free hemoglobin and platelet preservation ratio. But it was very difficult and complex to evacuate the air :frgm the :M-16 during the priming period, and the static priming volume (200ml) of this model is iativeyly miidh for infants.