Tube mat for an oxygenator and oxygenator with such a tube mat

Abstract

A tubular mat (9) for an oxygenator (1) comprises several tubular sections (13) arranged side by side with respect to their tubular longitudinal axis (14), and at least two working seams (16) arranged with a longitudinal distance (LA) oriented along the tubular longitudinal axis (14), which connect the tubular sections (13) to each other, wherein the working seams (16) are arranged on the tubular sections (13) in a manner that stabilizes them against unintentional slippage along the tubular longitudinal axis (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hose mat for an oxygenator and to an oxygenator with such a hose mat.

[0002] A tube mat for an oxygenator is known from WO 2011 / 086 010 A1. Tube sections are connected to each other with transversely running knitted seams.

[0003] It is the object of the present invention to improve a hose mat for an oxygenator so that in particular the efficiency is increased when using the hose mat as a heat exchanger in the oxygenator.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a tube mat having the features specified in claim 1 and by an oxygenator having the features specified in claim 11.

[0005] According to the invention, it was recognized that knitted seams on hose sections of a hose mat can unintentionally slip along the hose's longitudinal axis, for example during production of the hose mat. The strength of the connection between the individual hose sections and thus the stability of the hose mat as a whole are reduced. According to the invention, the knitted seams on the hose sections are arranged in a stabilized manner. Unintentional slipping of the knitted seams on the hose sections is prevented. A longitudinal section oriented along the hose's longitudinal axis is defined between two knitted seams. In particular, the respective longitudinal spacing for adjacent knitted seams is identical for all hose sections. The longitudinal spacing of adjacent knitted seams can also be designed differently. In particular, the hose sections are arranged next to one another and in particular parallel with regard to their hose longitudinal axes.The knitted seams are arranged, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tubes. However, the knitted seams can also enclose an inclination angle with the longitudinal axes other than 90°, in particular a constant one. When the tube mat is rolled up into a bundle, the knitted seams of adjacent bundle layers rest against one another. In particular, this prevents tube mat layers of the bundle from slipping into one another due to different longitudinal distances between the knitted seams, thereby unintentionally compacting the tube mat bundle. Due to the stabilized arrangement of the knitted seams, the tube mat according to the invention has defined spaces in a rolled bundle through which blood can flow, for example, when the tube mat is used as a heat exchanger for the oxygenator. Constrictions and compaction of the annular space are prevented.This prevents higher pump pressure, which could lead to reduced efficiency and, in particular, damage to blood cells. The efficiency of the oxygenator with the tube mat is increased. Damage to blood cells is prevented. The tube mat has a uniform density and, in particular, constant tube spacing.

[0006] A hose mat according to claim 2 has good dimensional stability and, in particular, improved elasticity in the transverse direction to the hose's longitudinal axes. The knitted seam comprises, in particular, a plurality of knitted seam sections, wherein, in particular, adjacent knitted seam sections enclose an opening angle that is less than 180°, in particular less than 170°, in particular less than 160°, and in particular less than 150°. The knitted seam sections are attached, in particular meshed, to a hose section. The knitted seams are arranged in a zigzag pattern on the hose sections. Due to the zigzag pattern of the knitted seam sections, the hose sections can be pulled apart in a transverse direction to the hose's longitudinal axes. This increases the opening angle of the knitted seam sections by stretching the knitted seam sections. The elastic stretching of the knitted seam sections imparts a restoring force.After the external force is removed, the tubular mat returns to its original zigzag arrangement of the knitted seam sections, particularly independently. The tubular mat exhibits a uniform recovery behavior.

[0007] A tubular mat according to claim 3 additionally comprises at least one stabilizing thread. The stabilizing thread connects at least two knitted seams. This further stabilizes the arrangement of the knitted seams on the tubular sections. In particular, the stabilizing thread connects two adjacently arranged knitted seams. The at least one stabilizing thread serves as a spacer.

[0008] In a tubular mat according to claim 4, the stabilizing thread is arranged substantially within a stitch row. A stitch row is formed by corresponding stitches of the knitted seams on the, in particular, one and the same, tubular section. A stitch row is thus oriented along the tubular sections, i.e., the tubular longitudinal axis, and in particular parallel to the tubular sections. The stitch row is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the knitted seam. The stabilizing thread is arranged, in particular, in a meandering pattern, with the longitudinal sections arranged within the stitch rows, which are connected to one another by respective end-side deflection sections across a stitch row. The deflection sections are, in particular, U-shaped. Apart from the U-shaped deflection sections, the stabilizing thread is arranged within one stitch row in each case.The stabilizing thread is arranged with the longitudinal sections parallel to the hose sections.

[0009] A tubular mat according to claim 5 has increased transverse stability. The at least one stabilizing thread is arranged transversely to a row of stitches, except for the U-shaped deflection sections. This means that the stabilizing thread crosses at least one tubular section.

[0010] A tubular mat according to claim 6 enables variably adjustable longitudinal stabilization of the tubular sections. The stabilizing thread, in particular the respective longitudinal section of the stabilizing thread, can extend across one or more machine rows.

[0011] A tubular mat according to claim 7 ensures advantageous material properties. The at least one stabilizing thread can be designed as a monofilament yarn, i.e., a single-threaded yarn, or as a multifilament yarn, i.e., a multi-threaded yarn in which the individual threads can be twisted together. The material used is, in particular, polyamide (PA), polyester (PES), and / or other polymeric materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and / or polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0012] A tube mat according to claim 8 has improved stability.

[0013] A tubular mat according to claim 9 enables simplified production. Because the knitting thread is loosely interlaced at the tubular sections, the tubular mat is manufactured stress-free overall. The tubular mat's service life is increased.

[0014] A tubular mat according to claim 10 can be manufactured with common meshes, particularly in an automated and efficient manner. The tubular mat offers increased stability.

[0015] An oxygenator according to claim 11 has the advantages of the hose mat to which reference is hereby made.

[0016] An oxygenator according to claim 12 has defined, in particular annular, spaces between the individual tube sections. The space can be used for blood flow.

[0017] Both the features specified in the patent claims and in the following exemplary embodiments of the tubular mat according to the invention are suitable, either individually or in combination with one another, for further developing the subject matter of the invention. The respective combinations of features do not represent any limitations with regard to further developments of the subject matter of the invention, but are essentially merely exemplary in nature.

[0018] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an oxygenator, Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view according to section line II-II in Fig. 1 with a rolled tube mat in an oxygenator, Fig. 3 a representation of a flatly spread out tube mat with a stabilizing thread according to the invention, Fig. 4 a Fig. 3 corresponding representation of a tubular mat of a further embodiment in which the stabilizing thread extends over two rows of stitches, Fig. 5 a Fig. 3 corresponding representation of a tubular mat of a further embodiment in which the stabilizing thread extends over several knitted seams, Fig. 6 a Fig. 3 corresponding representation of a tubular mat of a further embodiment in which the stabilizing thread is arranged transversely to the rows of stitches, Fig. 7 a Fig. 6 corresponding representation of a tubular mat of a further embodiment in which the stabilizing thread extends over several knitted seams, Fig. 8 a Fig. 3 corresponding representation of a tube mat of a further embodiment with several stabilizing threads, Fig. 9 a Fig. 8 corresponding representation of a tube mat with several stabilizing threads according to another embodiment, Fig. 10 a Fig. 6 corresponding representation of a tube mat according to a further embodiment, in which the stabilizing thread is meshed with a closed mesh on the tube sections, Fig. 11 a Fig. 10 corresponding representation with stabilizing threads meshed by means of open stitches, Fig. 12 a Fig. 3 corresponding representation of a tube mat according to a further embodiment with two additional laying rails, and Fig. 13 a schematic representation of a tubular mat according to a further embodiment without stabilizing thread, wherein knitted seam sections are arranged with an opening angle of less than 180° to each other.

[0019] One in Fig. 1 and Fig. The oxygenator 1 shown in Figure 2 is a medical device that enriches blood with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. The oxygenator 1 is used in cardiac surgery as part of a heart-lung machine and temporarily replaces the function of the lungs, for example, during open-heart surgery. The oxygenator 1 has a heat exchanger 2 arranged within a housing 3.

[0020] The housing 3 is essentially cylindrical in shape, with a heat exchanger medium inflow opening 4 and a heat exchanger medium outflow opening 5, each arranged on nozzle-like shaped elements on the housing 3. A blood inflow opening 6 and a blood outflow opening 7 are also arranged on the housing 3. The openings 4, 5, 6, 7 are each arranged on the outer cylindrical surface of the housing 3. The corresponding openings 4, 5 for the heat exchanger medium and 6, 7 for the blood are arranged at a distance from one another along the longitudinal axis 8 of the housing 3. Relative to the cylindrical surface of the housing 3, the corresponding openings 4, 5 for the heat exchanger medium and 6, 7 for the blood are arranged diametrically opposite one another.The heat exchange medium inflow opening 4 and the blood inflow opening 6 are each arranged adjacent to the opposite end faces of the housing 3 of the oxygenator 1, so that the heat exchange medium and the blood flow in countercurrent. The heat exchanger 2 operates according to the countercurrent principle.

[0021] The heat exchanger 2 is designed in the form of a tube mat 9, which is rolled into a spiral-shaped bundle of tube mats. In the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 8, the heat exchanger 2 thus has several tube mat layers 10, each with an intermediate space 11. The tube mat layers 10 and the intermediate spaces 11 are spiral-shaped, essentially annular. For heat transfer between the blood and the heat exchange medium, it is provided, in particular, that the blood flows through the intermediate spaces 11 and the heat exchange medium flows through the tube mat layers 10.

[0022] The following will be based on Fig. 3, an embodiment of a hose mat 9 is explained in more detail. The hose mat 9 is shown in a flat, i.e., rolled-out arrangement. The hose mat 9 has an endless hose 12 arranged in a meandering manner, resulting in a plurality of hose sections 13 that are arranged parallel to one another with respect to their longitudinal axes 14 and, in particular, equally spaced from one another. The individual hose sections 13 are in the Fig. 3, they are connected to one another by U-shaped end sections 15. The end sections 15 are separated from the hose mat 9 for use as a heat exchanger.

[0023] According to the illustrated embodiment, six knitted seams 16 are provided on the hose mat 9. The knitted seams 16 extend perpendicular to the hose longitudinal axes 14. The knitted seams 16 are each meshed at the hose sections 13 and connect the hose sections 13 to the hose mat 9. A longitudinal distance LA oriented along the hose longitudinal axis 14 between two adjacent knitted seams 16 is clearly defined. In the direction of the knitted seam 16, the longitudinal distance LA is identical for all hose sections 13. In particular, all longitudinal sections LA are identical.

[0024] The knitted seams 16 each have several knitted seam sections, each extending between two adjacent tube sections 13. The knitted seam 16 is linear. This means that the knitted seam sections are arranged parallel to one another and enclose an opening angle of 180°.

[0025] The tubular mat 9 has a stabilizing thread 17, which serves to stabilize the arrangement of the knitted seams 16 on the tubular sections 13. According to the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing thread 17 is designed as a multifilament polyester (PES).

[0026] The endless hose 12, i.e. the hose sections 13, are each made of polyurethane.

[0027] According to the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing thread 17 is guided with its longitudinal sections 18 within a row of stitches 19 of the tubular mat 9. A row of stitches 19 is understood to be the arrangement of stitches of different knitted seams 16 on a tubular section 13. A row of stitches 19 typically extends parallel to the tubular longitudinal axis 14. The arrangement of the stabilizing thread 17 is geometrically similar to the arrangement of the endless tubular 12, in particular, meandering. The longitudinal sections 18 of the stabilizing thread 17 are each connected to one another at their ends by U-shaped deflection sections 20. The deflection sections 20 of the stabilizing thread 17 each bridge at least one tube section 13, i.e. a stitch row 19. Along the tube longitudinal axes 14, the longitudinal sections 18 of the stabilizing thread 17 each extend over two knitted seams 16, which are thereby connected to one another and stabilized.

[0028] In Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9, wherein the stabilizing thread 17 extends over two rows of stitches 19.

[0029] In Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9, wherein the stabilizing thread 17 extends over two rows of stitches 19 and connects three adjacently arranged knitted seams 16 with each other.

[0030] In principle, various designs and arrangements of the stabilizing thread are conceivable, in particular the design of the longitudinal sections 18 and / or the deflection sections 20. In particular, it is conceivable for the stabilizing thread to be arranged on the tubular mat 9 with differently designed longitudinal sections and / or deflection sections. For example, it is conceivable for the stabilizing thread 17 to extend over one row of stitches 19 in some sections and over at least two rows of stitches 19 in other sections. Additionally or alternatively, the stabilizing thread 17 can connect two knitted seams in some areas and more than two knitted seams in other areas.

[0031] The arrangement of the stabilizing thread on the tubular mat 9 can be individually adapted to specific product requirements. The arrangement of the stabilizing thread 17 depends in particular on the design of the tubular sections 13 and the knitted seam 16.

[0032] The knitted seam 16 is formed by a knitted thread that is interlaced with the tubular sections 13. Because the knitted seams 16 are additionally stabilized by the stabilizing thread 17, the knitted thread can be arranged between the tubular sections 13 without tension. According to the illustrated embodiment, the knitted thread is designed as a fringe. A fringe is a single chain of stitches that has no lateral connection to neighboring stitches. The fringe is created, for example, by pulling the knitted thread through the loop of a previous stitch, creating a new stitch loop.

[0033] Alternatively, for the execution of the knitted seam 16 and / or a meshing of the stabilizing thread 17 at the knitted seam 16, various stitch types and stitch placements are conceivable, such as, for example, the arrangement of the knitted thread as a weft thread, as an atlas thread, as an open stitch or as a closed stitch.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9, in which the stabilizing thread 17 is arranged transversely to the rows of stitches 19. A transverse section 21 of the stabilizing thread 17 extends over two rows of stitches 19. Because the transverse sections 21 are arranged transversely to the tubular sections 13, the tubular mat 9 has increased transverse stability.

[0035] In Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9, in which the stabilizing thread 17 with transverse sections extends over several rows of stitches and over several, in particular three, knitted seams 16.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9 with multiple stabilizing threads 17. According to the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing threads 17 each extend over three knitted seams 16, wherein the stitch row spacing of a stabilizing thread 17 can be variably set in the transverse direction to the tubular longitudinal axes 14. In a tubular mat 9 in which multiple stabilizing threads 17 are used, and which are arranged in particular one above the other, the stabilizing threads 17 can also be arranged regularly and in particular offset from one another.

[0037] In Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a tubular mat 9 with two differently arranged stabilizing threads 17. A first stabilizing thread 17 is arranged in a meandering shape with longitudinal sections 18 and deflection sections 20 each bridging a row of stitches. The longitudinal sections 18 extend over all, i.e. all six, knitted seams 16. The stabilizing thread 17 extends essentially along the tubular sections 13. The second stabilizing thread 17 also extends over all six knitted seams 16, but is designed as a stabilizing thread 17 with cross sections 21 which extend over several, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, in particular at least five and in particular at least six tubular sections.

[0038] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9 with a stabilizing thread 17 which is meshed at the knitted seams 16 by means of a closed fringe.

[0039] Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9, wherein the stabilizing thread 17 is meshed at the knitted seam 16 by means of an open fringe.

[0040] Fig. Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a hose mat 9 with different stabilizing threads 17 and 17a. The stabilizing threads 17, 17a each run essentially at right angles, i.e., with the longitudinal sections 18, 18a parallel to the hose longitudinal axes 14 and with the deflection sections 20, 20a perpendicular to the hose longitudinal axes 14. The respective transition from the longitudinal section to the deflection section is designed as a 90° deflection.

[0041] The first stabilizing threads 17, which are Fig. 12 are shown on the left, extend with the longitudinal sections 18 over two adjacent knitted seams 16 and in the transverse direction over two tube sections 13.

[0042] According to the illustrated embodiment, two first stabilizing threads are provided, which are incorporated in opposite directions into the tube sections 13 and the knitted seams 16. This means that one first stabilizing thread 17 is placed, for example, on the underside of the tube sections 13 with the deflection section 20 and then, with the longitudinal section 18, is placed over the knitted seams 16 in order to be placed on top of the next tube sections 13 and then, with the next longitudinal sections 18, guided along under the knitted seams. Accordingly, the other first stabilizing thread 17 is guided complementarily with respect to the top and bottom arrangement.

[0043] The second stabilizing threads 17a are also arranged with the deflection sections 20a over two tube sections 13, wherein the respective longitudinal sections 18a extend comparatively short, in particular only over a single knitted seam 16. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the second stabilizing threads 17a, shown on the right, can be arranged in the same direction on adjacent knitted seams 16. It is also possible to use only one second stabilizing thread 17a. It is also conceivable for the second stabilizing threads 17a to be arranged in opposite directions on the knitted seams 16.

[0044] The stabilizing threads 17, 17a further stabilize the tubular mat 9. The knitted seams 16 are even more tightly connected. Rolling the mat into a roll is possible without fail.

[0045] The stabilizing threads 17, 17a can also extend over more than two hose sections 13 with the deflection sections 20, 20a, in particular over three hose sections 13, four hose sections 13 or more than four hose sections 13.

[0046] Fig. 13 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9, in which the knitted seams 16 are arranged in a zigzag pattern on the tubular sections 13. Each knitted seam 16 has a plurality of knitted seam sections 22, which are connected to one another on the tubular sections 13 at the mesh 23. The knitted seam sections 22 enclose an opening angle w, which, according to the illustrated embodiment, is approximately 160°. It is essential that the opening angle is less than 180°. This embodiment achieves the necessary stability of the tubular mat 9 through the zigzag arrangement of the knitted seams 16. Additional stabilizing threads are unnecessary for this embodiment.

[0047] A particularly advantageous feature of the zigzag design is that the knitted seam sections 22 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the hose sections, in particular with respect to the hose longitudinal axes 14. The hose longitudinal axis 14 is the bisector of the opening angle b. The longitudinal distance LA is, in particular, constant. The position of the longitudinal distance LA along the hose longitudinal axis 14 can be variable with the zigzag arrangement of the knitted seam 16. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2011 / 086 010 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Hose mat for an oxygenator (1) comprising a plurality of hose sections (13) arranged next to one another with respect to their longitudinal hose axis (14), b. at least two knitted seams (16) arranged with a longitudinal spacing (LA) oriented along the longitudinal axis (14) of the hose, which connect the hose sections (13) to one another, wherein the knitted seams (16) are arranged on the hose sections (13) in a manner stabilized against unintentional slipping along the longitudinal axis (14) of the hose. [2] Tube mat according to claim 1, characterized by that two knitted seam sections (22), which are in particular fastened to a hose section (13), enclose an opening angle (w), where: w < 180°, in particular w < 170°, in particular w < 160° and in particular w < 150°. [3] Tube mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one stabilizing thread (17) which connects at least two, in particular adjacently arranged, knitted seams (16) to one another. [4] Tube mat according to claim 3, characterized by that the at least one stabilizing thread (17) is arranged substantially, in particular with a longitudinal section (18) within a row of stitches (19). [5] Tube mat according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the at least one stabilizing thread (17) is arranged substantially, in particular with a transverse section (21), transversely to a row of stitches (19). [6] Tubular mat according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that the at least one stabilizing thread (17) has a deflection section (20) which extends over at least one, in particular two, in particular three, in particular four, in particular five, rows of stitches (19). [7] Tube mat according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized bythat the at least one stabilizing thread (17) is designed as a monofilament or as a multifilament. [8] Tube mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the knitted seams (16) each have a knitted thread which is attached to the hose sections (13) with stitches (23). [9] Tube mat according to claim 8, characterized by that the knitting thread is meshed without tensile stress on the hose sections (13). [10] Tubular mat according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the knitting thread is meshed as a fringe, weft thread, satin thread, with an open stitch and / or with a closed stitch on the tube sections (13). [11] Oxygenator (1) with a hose mat (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hose mat (9) is rolled into a bundle and arranged in a housing (3) of the oxygenator (1). [12] Oxygenator (1) according to claim 11, characterized bythat the knitted seams (16) define spaces (11) as spacers between the tube mat layers (10) of the bundle.

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