Membrane oxygenator

Membrane Oxygenator

A Membrane Oxygenator is a device used to add oxygen to, and remove carbon dioxide from, the blood. It can be used in two principal modes: to imitate the function of the lungs in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and to oxygenate blood in longer term life support, termed Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ECMO, or Extracorporeal Life Support, ECLS.

History

The first successful use of a membrane oxygenator to oxygenate the blood of a living animal was reported by Clarence Dennis in 1957. The first clinical use of a membrane oxygenator was by George Pierce and his colleagues in 1958.

Design

The design of membrane oxygenators varies, but most consist of a large number of small, parallel polymeric hollow fibers. Blood flows on one side of the membrane, and oxygen flows on the other. Oxygen diffuses across the membrane from the gas phase to the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses in the opposite direction, from the blood to the gas phase.

Types

There are two main types of membrane oxygenators: the hollow fiber and the flat sheet. The hollow fiber oxygenator is the most commonly used type in clinical practice today.

Clinical Use

Membrane oxygenators are used in a variety of clinical situations, including during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, in the treatment of severe lung diseases such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and in life support systems for premature infants.

See Also

• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
• Cardiopulmonary bypass
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

References

Membrane oxygenator Resources
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