Blood oxygen supply device

Abstract

An oxygen supply is disclosed, which includes a housing that defines the interior having improved gas exchange fluid passages and / or heat exchange fluid passages. [Solution] In some cases, the oxygen supply includes a gas exchange fluid passage for passing gas sequentially from a gas exchange fluid inlet, through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction, through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction, and out through a gas exchange fluid outlet. In some cases, the oxygen supply includes a partition dividing the interior between the gas exchange chamber and the gas and heat exchange chamber. In some cases, the housing includes an insulating fluid barrier chamber configured to be filled with a fluid heat exchange fluid from the heat exchange fluid inlet to provide an insulating barrier chamber between the outlet end of the gas exchange fibers and the gas exchange fluid outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] This disclosure relates to extracorporeal blood conditioning devices such as blood oxygenators. More particularly, this disclosure relates to blood oxygenators, their structures, and uses that provide improved fluid flow paths through the blood oxygenator.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] Blood perfusion typically involves pumping blood through the blood vessels of a patient's body using one or more pumps within an extracorporeal circuit interconnected with the patient's vascular system. The extracorporeal circuit typically includes an oxygenator, such as a hollow fiber oxygenator, used to exchange oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the extracorporeal circulation of blood from the patient. Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery typically requires a perfusion system that provides temporary cardiac arrest to create a field in which the heart and lungs can still function by replacing their functions. Such isolation enables vascular stenosis, valve disorders, surgical correction of congenital heart defects, and other medical procedures. In a perfusion system used for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, an extracorporeal blood circuit including at least one pump and an oxygen supply device is established to replace the functions of the heart and lungs.

[0003]

[0003] More specifically, in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, oxygen-poor blood, i.e., venous blood, is gravity drained or vacuum aspirated from the vena cava entering the heart or other veins (e.g., femoral) within the body and transported through the venous line within the extracorporeal circuit. The venous blood is pumped to the oxygenator, which provides oxygen transport to the blood. Oxygen may be introduced into the blood by transport across a membrane or, less frequently, by foaming oxygen through the blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide is removed across the membrane. The oxygenated blood is filtered and then returned to the patient's aorta, femoral artery, or other artery through the arterial line.

[0004]

[0004] Many shortcomings exist in currently available oxygen supply systems. For example, there is a continuing need to improve the efficiency of oxygen exchange from the gas exchange fiber into the blood passing through the oxygen supply system. Furthermore, vapor condensation may occur within the gas exchange fiber of the oxygen supply system during use, leading to a gradual decrease in the gas exchange performance within the oxygen supply system. Therefore, there is a continuing need for alternative oxygen supply system configurations that can increase the efficiency of the oxygen supply system, reduce vapor condensation, or otherwise improve the performance of the oxygen supply system. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005]

[0005] This disclosure provides designs, materials, manufacturing methods, and alternative uses for blood oxygen delivery devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006]

[0006] The first example is an oxygen supply unit including a housing that defines an internal chamber. Multiple gas exchange fibers are arranged within the internal chamber. The multiple gas exchange fibers include one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction and one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The oxygen supply unit also includes a gas exchange fluid inlet and a gas exchange fluid outlet. A gas exchange fluid passage is provided to allow gas to pass through the multiple gas exchange fibers to supply oxygen to the blood in the internal chamber. The gas exchange fluid passage passes sequentially from the gas exchange fluid inlet, through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the first direction, through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction, and exits from the gas exchange fluid outlet.

[0007]

[0007] In an alternative or additional example to any example of the examples herein, the housing includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side extending between the first and second sides, and a fourth side extending between the first and second sides and opposite the third side. The gas exchange fluid passage passes through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction from the fourth side to the third side, and then the gas exchange fluid passage passes through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction from the first side to the second side.

[0008]

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any example of the examples herein, the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction from the fourth side to the third side is greater than the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction from the first side to the second side.

[0009]

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any example of the examples herein, the first speed is 1.25 times or more the speed of the second speed.

[0010] In an alternative or additional example to any example herein, in another example, the oxygen supply includes a gas exchange fluid passage defined within the housing between the gas outlet end of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction and the gas inlet end of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction.

[0010]

[0011] In an alternative or additional example to any example herein, in another example, the internal chamber is a gas exchange chamber, and the housing includes a second internal chamber which is a gas and heat exchange chamber, the gas and heat exchange chamber includes a plurality of gas exchange fibers disposed within the gas and heat exchange chamber and a plurality of heat exchange fibers disposed within the gas and heat exchange chamber.

[0011]

[0012] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, the oxygen supply unit includes a partition between the gas exchange chamber and the gas and heat exchange chamber.

[0012]

[0013] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, the housing includes a blood inlet and a blood outlet, which are in fluid communication with the gas and heat exchange chambers.

[0013]

[0014] In an alternative or additional example to any example herein, the blood flow path sequentially passes from the blood inlet, through the gas and heat exchange chamber, through the gas exchange chamber, and out through the blood outlet.

[0014]

[0015] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, in another example, a plurality of heat exchange fibers in a gas and heat exchange chamber are arranged in a first direction, and a plurality of gas exchange fibers in a gas and heat exchange chamber are arranged in a second direction.

[0015]

[0016] In an alternative or additional example to any example of the examples herein, in another example, the housing includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side extending between the first and second sides, and a fourth side extending between the first and second sides and opposite the third side. The gas exchange fluid passage passes through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction from the fourth side to the third side, and then the gas exchange fluid passage passes through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction from the first side to the second side.

[0016]

[0017] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, in another example, the second aspect includes an adiabatic fluid barrier chamber configured to be filled with a fluid heat exchange fluid.

[0017]

[0018] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, the housing includes a heat-exchange fluid port in fluid communication with an adiabatic fluid barrier chamber.

[0019] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, in another example, the heat exchange fluid port and the gas exchange fluid outlet are both located on the second side of the housing.

[0018]

[0020] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, in another example, the adiabatic fluid barrier chamber is located between the outlet ends of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction on a second side and the outside of the second side of the housing.

[0019]

[0021] Another example is an oxygen supply unit that includes a housing defining its interior. The interior includes a gas exchange chamber and a gas and heat exchange chamber. A partition is located between the gas exchange chamber and the gas and heat exchange chamber. Multiple gas exchange fibers are arranged within the gas exchange chamber. Multiple gas exchange fibers are arranged within the gas and heat exchange chamber. Multiple heat exchange fibers are arranged within the gas and heat exchange chamber.

[0020]

[0022] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, in another example, a plurality of gas exchange fibers arranged within a gas exchange chamber includes one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction and one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021]

[0023] In an alternative or additional example to any example herein, in another example, a gas exchange fluid passage for passing gas through multiple gas exchange fibers in a gas exchange chamber to supply oxygen to blood in the gas exchange chamber passes sequentially through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction, and then through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction.

[0022]

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any example herein, in another example, the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction is greater than the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction.

[0023]

[0025] In an alternative or additional example to any example herein, in another example, the oxygen supply includes a gas exchange fluid passage defined within the housing between the gas outlet end of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction and the gas inlet end of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction.

[0024]

[0026] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, in another example, a plurality of heat exchange fibers arranged within a gas and heat exchange chamber comprises one or more layers of heat exchange fibers extending in a first direction, and a plurality of gas exchange fibers arranged within a gas and heat exchange chamber comprises one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0025]

[0027] Another example is an oxygen supply device including a housing having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side extending between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side extending between the first side and the second side and opposite the third side. The housing defines an interior. A plurality of gas exchange fibers are disposed within the interior of the housing. The plurality of gas exchange fibers extend between the first side and the second side, and gas outflow from the plurality of gas exchange fibers is along the second side. A plurality of heat exchange fibers are disposed within the interior of the housing. The oxygen supply device includes a gas exchange fluid inlet in fluid communication with the plurality of gas exchange fibers and a gas exchange fluid outlet in fluid communication with the plurality of gas exchange fibers. The oxygen supply device also includes a heat exchange fluid inlet in fluid communication with the heat exchange fibers and a heat exchange fluid outlet in fluid communication with the heat exchange fibers. The second side of the housing includes a heat-insulating fluid barrier chamber configured to be filled with flowing heat exchange fluid from the heat exchange fluid inlet.

[0026]

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any example of the examples herein, in another example, the heat-insulating fluid barrier chamber is fluidly disposed between the heat exchange fluid inlet and the inlet end of the plurality of heat exchange fibers.

[0027]

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any example of the examples herein, in another example, the inlet ends of the plurality of heat exchange fibers are located along the fourth side, and the plurality of heat exchange fibers extend between the fourth side and the third side.

[0028]

[0030] Another example is an oxygen supply unit including a housing that defines its interior. Multiple gas exchange fibers are arranged inside. The multiple gas exchange fibers include one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction and one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The oxygen supply unit also includes a gas exchange fluid inlet and a gas exchange fluid outlet. A gas exchange fluid passage is provided to allow gas to pass through the multiple gas exchange fibers in order to supply oxygen to the blood inside the housing. The gas exchange fluid passage passes from the gas exchange fluid inlet, through the multiple gas exchange fibers, and out of the gas exchange fluid outlet. The first velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the first direction is greater than the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction.

[0029]

[0031] In an alternative or additional example to any of the examples herein, in another example, the first speed is at least 1.25 times the second speed.

[0032] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each or all of the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure. The following figures and detailed descriptions illustrate some of these embodiments in more detail.

[0030]

[0033] This disclosure may be understood more fully in consideration of the following detailed description in relation to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1]

[0034] This is an exemplary perspective top view of a blood oxygen supply unit. [Figure 2]

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the blood oxygen supply unit from below. [Figure 3]

[0036] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a blood oxygen supply unit. [Figure 4]

[0037] This is a perspective view seen through a cross-section of a blood oxygen supply unit, cut from the first side to the second side. [Figure 5]

[0038] This is a perspective view of the blood oxygen supply unit, seen through a cross-section from the third to the fourth side. [Figure 6]

[0039] This is a perspective top view of a blood oxygen supply unit with the top panel removed to allow a view of the inside. [Figure 7]

[0040] This is a perspective top view of a blood oxygen supply unit with the top and side panels removed to view the internal chamber. [Figure 8]

[0041] This is a cross-sectional view of the first gas and heat exchange chamber of a blood oxygen supply unit, showing the gas exchange fluid flow path and heat exchange fluid flow path through the first gas and heat exchange chamber. [Figure 9]

[0042] This is a perspective view of a fiber mat including a heat exchange fluid fiber layer extending in a first direction, which is arranged together with a gas exchange fiber layer extending in a second direction for use in a gas and heat exchange chamber. [Figure 10]

[0043] This is a perspective view of the blood oxygen supply unit with the lower panel removed to view the internal chamber. [Figure 11]

[0044] This is a perspective view of the blood oxygen supply unit with the bottom and side panels removed to view the internal chamber. [Figure 12]

[0045] This is a cross-sectional view of the second gas exchange chamber of the blood oxygen supply unit, showing the gas exchange fluid flow path through the second gas exchange chamber. [Figure 13]

[0046] This is a perspective view of a fiber mat including a gas exchange fluid fiber layer extending in a first direction, which is arranged together with a gas exchange fiber layer extending in a second direction for use in a gas exchange chamber. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032]

[0047] This disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, the details of which are illustrated by example in the drawings and described in detail below. However, it should be understood that the intent is not to limit this disclosure to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0033]

[0048] With respect to the terms defined below, these definitions shall apply unless otherwise given in the claims or elsewhere herein.

[0049] It is assumed herein that all numerical values, whether explicitly indicated or not, are modified by the term “about.” The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to (i.e., having the same function or result as) the values ​​cited. In many cases, the term “about” may include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0034]

[0050] Listing numerical ranges by their endpoints includes all numbers within that range (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0051] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to multiple subjects unless otherwise explicitly indicated. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “or” is used generally to include “and / or” unless otherwise explicitly indicated.

[0035]

[0052] The terms “top,” “up,” “upper,” and “upward,” and their variations, are used throughout this disclosure solely for the purpose of clarity of explanation and are intended only to refer to relative directions (i.e., specific directions distinguished from other directions) and not to be interpreted as meaning absolute directions. Similarly, the terms “bottom,” “down,” “lower,” and “downward,” and their variations, are used throughout this disclosure solely for the purpose of clarity of explanation and are intended only to refer to relative directions that are at least substantially opposite to the directions referred to by one or more of the terms “top,” “up,” “upper,” and “upward,” and their variations.

[0036]

[0053] For clarity, specific numerical nomenclature (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the description and / or claims to designate and / or distinguish various described and / or claimed features. It is understood that this numerical nomenclature is not intended to be restrictive and is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, substitutions and deviations from the numerical nomenclature used above may be made for the benefit of brevity and clarity. That is, a feature identified as the “first” element may be later referred to as the “second” element, the “third” element, etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or a different feature may be referred to as the “first” element. The meaning and / or designation in each instance will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0037]

[0054] The terms "monolithic" and "unitary" generally refer to one or more elements made from or consisting of a single structure or base unit / element. Monolithic and / or unitary elements exclude structures and / or features created by assembling or otherwise combining multiple discrete structures or elements.

[0038]

[0055] The term "sequentially" is intended to refer to the ordering of elements, paths, steps, events, etc., in the order listed herein, as used herein, but does not exclude any further elements, paths, steps, events, etc., before, between, or after any of the listed elements, paths, steps, events, etc., unless explicitly indicated that the listed elements, paths, steps, events, etc., are to be directly sequentially arranged.

[0039]

[0056] It should be noted that references herein to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” and “other embodiments” indicate that the embodiments described may include one or more specific features, structures, and / or characteristics. However, such enumeration does not necessarily mean that all embodiments include specific features, structures, and / or characteristics. Furthermore, when specific features, structures, and / or characteristics are described in relation to one embodiment, it should be understood that such features, structures, and / or characteristics may be used in relation to other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0040]

[0057] To facilitate understanding, it should be noted that certain features of this disclosure may be described in the singular form even if there are multiple instances or recurring instances in the embodiments in which those features are disclosed. Each instance of a feature may include and / or be encompassed by a single disclosure unless otherwise explicitly stated. For example, a reference to some features may similarly refer to all instances and more than one number of such features unless otherwise explicitly stated. Thus, it should be understood that the following discussion may similarly apply to any and / or all components of a device, etc., for which there are two or more instances in the device, etc., unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0041]

[0058] The following detailed description should be read with reference to drawings in which similar structures in different drawings are numbered the same. Drawings that do not necessarily adhere to a constant scale illustrate illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0042]

[0059] Figure 1 is a perspective top view of an oxygen supply unit 2 for conditioning blood in extracorporeal circulation, such as in an extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system, while Figure 2 is a perspective bottom view of the oxygen supply unit 2. The oxygen supply unit 2 may include a housing 10 having an upper part 20 and a lower part 30 opposite the upper part 20. The oxygen supply unit 2 may include a plurality of sides extending around the periphery of the housing 10 between the upper part 20 and the lower part 30. For example, the housing 10 may include a first side 21, a second side 22 opposite the first side 21, a third side 23, and a fourth side 24 opposite the third side 23. The third side 23 and the fourth side 24 may extend between the first side 21 and the second side 22. Therefore, the first side 21 may be adjacent to the third side 23 and the fourth side 24, the second side 22 may be adjacent to the third side 23 and the fourth side 24, the third side 23 may be adjacent to the first side 21 and the second side 22, and the fourth side 24 may be adjacent to the first side 21 and the second side 22. The housing 10 may also include a connector 18 configured to connect the oxygen supply unit 2 to an ECLS, a hemoperfusion system, or other medical system component. For example, the connector 18 may be used to connect the oxygen supply unit 2 to a mast or pole of a hemoperfusion system, for example, via a dedicated bracket.

[0043]

[0060] The housing 10 may be a rigid housing, and / or the housing 10 may be constructed from a substantially rigid material. In some cases, the housing 10 may be formed of multiple panels, such as polymer panels, assembled together to enclose the interior of the housing 10. For example, the housing 10 may include an upper panel 40 located on the upper part 20 of the housing 10 and a lower panel 50 located on the lower part 30 of the housing 10. The upper panel 40 may define the upper outer surface of the housing 10, and / or the lower panel 50 may define the lower outer surface of the housing 10.

[0044]

[0061] Furthermore, the housing 10 may include a first side panel 41 defining a first side surface 21 of the housing 10, positioned on it, or otherwise extending along it; a second side panel 42 defining a second side surface 22 of the housing 10, positioned on it, or otherwise extending along it (collectively, a second inner side panel 42a and a second outer side panel 42b, as further described herein); a third side panel 43 defining a third side surface 23 of the housing 10, positioned on it, or otherwise extending along it; and / or a fourth side panel 44 defining a fourth side surface 24 of the housing 10, positioned on it, or otherwise extending along it. In some cases, each panel may be formed separately and then assembled to form the housing 10. In other cases, one or more panels may be formed together with one or more panels and then assembled together with one or more further panels to form the housing 10. Other arrangements and configurations for the construction of Housing 10 are also planned.

[0045]

[0062] The housing 10 may include a blood inlet 12 that is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing 10 to allow the flow of venous deoxygenated blood from the patient into the oxygen supply unit 2, and the housing 10 may include a blood outlet 14 that is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing 10 to allow the flow of arterial oxygenated blood from the oxygen supply unit to the patient. A blood inlet tubing (in other words, a pipe) (not shown) may be connected to the blood inlet 12, and / or a blood outlet tubing (not shown) may be connected to the blood outlet 14 during use of the oxygen supply unit 2. In some cases, the blood inlet 12 may extend from the upper part 20 of the housing 10, for example, from the upper panel 40 of the housing 10. In some cases, the blood outlet 14 may extend from the lower part 30 of the housing 10, for example, from the lower panel 50 of the housing 10. Other arrangements and configurations of the blood inlet 12 and blood outlet 14 are also contemplated.

[0046]

[0063] The housing 10 may include a gas inlet 52 that is in fluid communication with a gas exchange structure (e.g., a gas exchange fiber mat or section) inside the housing 10, and the housing 10 may include a gas outlet 54 that is in fluid communication with a gas exchange structure inside the housing 10. For example, the gas inlet 52 may be in fluid communication with the lumens of a plurality of gas exchange fibers to provide gas (e.g., oxygen) to supply oxygen to blood passing through the oxygen supply unit 2, while the gas outlet 54 may be in fluid communication with the lumens of a plurality of gas exchange fibers to remove gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) from the blood. In some cases, the gas inlet 52 may extend from a fourth side surface 24 of the housing 10, for example, from a fourth side panel 44 of the housing 10. In some cases, the gas outlet 54 may extend from a second side surface 22, for example, from a second side inner panel 42a of the housing 10. Therefore, in some cases, the gas inlet 52 and gas outlet 54 may extend from adjacent sides of the housing 10. Other arrangements and configurations of the gas inlet 52 and gas outlet 54 are also considered.

[0047]

[0064] The housing 10 may include a first heat exchange fluid port 62, which may in some cases be called a heat exchange fluid inlet, and which is in fluid communication with a heat exchange structure (e.g., a heat exchange fiber mat or section) inside the housing 10, and the housing 10 may include a second heat exchange fluid port 64, which may in some cases be called a heat exchange fluid outlet, and which is in fluid communication with a heat exchange structure (e.g., a heat exchange fiber mat or section) inside the housing 10. For example, when the first heat exchange fluid port 62 acts as a heat exchange fluid inlet, it may be in fluid communication with the lumens of a plurality of heat exchange fibers to provide a heat exchange fluid (e.g., water or other liquid) to heat / cool the blood passing through the oxygen supply 2, while the second heat exchange fluid port 64 acts as a heat exchange fluid outlet, it may be in fluid communication with the lumens of a plurality of heat exchange fibers to remove a heat exchange fluid (e.g., water or other liquid) from the oxygen supply 2. In other cases, the direction of the heat exchange fluid flow through the oxygen supplier 2 (e.g., through multiple heat exchange fibers) may be reversed so that the second heat exchange fluid port 64 acts as a heat exchange fluid inlet and the first heat exchange fluid port 62 acts as a heat exchange fluid outlet. In some cases, the first heat exchange fluid port 62 (e.g., heat exchange fluid inlet) may extend from the second side 22 of the housing 10, for example, from the second side outer panel 42b of the housing 10. In some cases, the second heat exchange fluid port 64 (e.g., heat exchange fluid outlet) may extend from the third side 23, for example, from the third side panel 43 of the housing 10. Thus, in some cases, the first heat exchange fluid port 62 and the second heat exchange fluid port 64 may extend from adjacent sides of the housing 10. Other arrangements and configurations of the heat exchange fluid ports 62 and 64 are also contemplated.

[0048]

[0065] In some cases, the housing 10 may include one or more additional auxiliary ports. For example, the housing 10 may include an auxiliary port 56 extending from the upper panel 40, a first auxiliary port 58a extending from the lower panel 50, a second auxiliary port 58b extending from the lower panel 50, and / or a third auxiliary port 58c extending from the lower panel 50. In some cases, the first auxiliary port 58a may be called a cardiacoplegia port, configured to supply blood back into the patient's cardiac cavity. In some cases, the second auxiliary port 58b may be called a temperature control probe, which can be coupled to a temperature probe to measure the temperature of the blood passing through the oxygen supply unit 2. In some cases, the third auxiliary port 58c may be called a purge port outlet. In some cases, the auxiliary port 56 may be called a purge port inlet. The purge port inlet and purge port outlet may be configured to purge bubbles from within the oxygen supply unit 2. More or fewer ports, their use, and their placement and configuration are also being considered.

[0049]

[0066] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the housing 10 of the oxygen supply unit 2, in which the upper panel 40, lower panel 50, first side panel 41, second side inner panel 42a, second side outer panel 42b, third side panel 43, and fourth side panel 44 are separated from each other. As shown in Figure 3, the interior of the housing 10 may include dividers or partitions (in other words, partition walls) 38 that divide the interior of the housing 10 into a plurality of chambers or sections. The partitions 38 may extend across the interior of the housing 10 between the first side 21 and the second side 22, and the partitions may extend across the interior of the housing 10 between the third side 23 and the fourth side 24, dividing the interior of the housing 10 into an upper chamber or section defined between the upper panel 40 and the upper surface of the partition 38, and a lower chamber or section defined between the lower panel 50 and the lower surface of the partition 38. The partition 38 may be windowed, as further described herein, such that the partition 38 includes a plurality of apertures or openings that penetrate the partition 38 from the upper surface to the lower surface of the partition 38 in order to allow blood to pass through the partition 38 from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

[0050]

[0067] Figure 4 is a perspective view seen through a cross-section of the oxygen supply unit 2, cut from the first side 21 to the second side 22, and Figure 5 is a perspective view seen through a cross-section of the oxygen supply unit 2, cut from the third side 23 to the fourth side 24. The cross-section in Figure 4 is cut perpendicular to the cross-section in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the partition 38 may divide the interior 32 of the housing 10 into a first or upper chamber 34 and a second or lower chamber 36. As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the first chamber 34 may be defined between the upper panel 40 and the upper surface of the partition 38, while the second chamber 36 may be defined between the lower panel 50 and the lower surface of the partition 38. As shown in Figure 4, the partition 38 may include first and second opposing side edges that extend to, join, connect with, or otherwise engage with first and second side panels 41, 42, respectively. As shown in Figure 5, the partition 38 may include third and fourth opposing side edges that extend to, join with, connect with, or otherwise engage with third and fourth side panels 43, 44, respectively. As stated above, the partition 38 may be windowed such that the partition 38 includes a plurality of apertures or openings that penetrate the partition 38 from the upper surface to the lower surface of the partition 38 in order to allow blood to pass through the partition 38 from the first chamber 34 to the second chamber 36.

[0051]

[0068] The blood inlet 12 may be in fluid communication (e.g., direct fluid communication) with the first chamber 34 to direct blood into the first chamber 34. The blood outlet 14 may be in fluid communication (e.g., direct fluid communication) with the second chamber 36 to collect blood exiting the second chamber 36. Thus, blood flows sequentially from the blood inlet 12 into the first chamber 34, then through multiple apertures or openings 39 of the partition 38 into the second chamber 36, and then out of the second chamber 36 through the blood outlet 14. In other words, the blood flow path may be sequentially defined from the blood inlet 12, through the first chamber 34, through or across the partition 38 (e.g., via multiple apertures or openings 39), through the second chamber 36, and out of the blood outlet 14.

[0052]

[0069] A further discussion of the first chamber 34 will be explained in relation to Figures 6-8. Figure 6 is a perspective top view of the housing 10 of the oxygen supply unit 2 with the top panel 40 removed to view the upper first chamber 34 inside the oxygen supply unit 2. Figure 7 is a perspective top view of the housing 10 of the oxygen supply unit 2 with the top panel 40 and the third side panel 43 removed to view the first chamber 34 and the lower second chamber 36 inside the oxygen supply unit 2. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the oxygen supply unit 2 through the first chamber 34, hereafter referred to as the gas and heat exchange chamber, showing the gas exchange fluid flow path through the first chamber 34 and the heat exchange fluid flow path through it.

[0053]

[0070] The gas and heat exchange chamber 34 may be configured to provide gas exchange between a gas (e.g., oxygen) and blood flowing through the gas and heat exchange chamber 34, and may also be configured to provide heat exchange between a heat exchange fluid (e.g., water) and blood flowing through the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. For example, the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 may include a plurality of heat exchange fibers and a plurality of gas exchange fibers arranged as gas and heat exchange sections of fibers within the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. Blood may flow around the plurality of heat exchange fibers and a plurality of gas exchange fibers as it flows through the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. One possible arrangement of the gas and heat exchange sections of fibers is shown in Figure 9.

[0054]

[0071] As shown in Figure 9, the gas and heat exchange fiber section 100 may include a plurality of heat exchange fibers 112 and a plurality of gas exchange fibers 122. In some cases, the plurality of heat exchange fibers 112 may be arranged in one or more or more heat exchange fiber layers 110, and / or the plurality of gas exchange fibers 122 may be arranged in one or more or more gas exchange fiber layers 120. The heat exchange fiber layers 110 may alternate with the gas exchange fiber layers 120, for example, along the thickness dimension of the gas and heat exchange fiber section 100. For example, the plurality of heat exchange fibers 112 in each heat exchange fiber layer of the heat exchange fiber layer 110 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 may be arranged in a first direction, and the plurality of gas exchange fibers 122 in each gas exchange fiber layer of the gas exchange fiber layer 120 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 may be arranged in a second direction. In some cases, the first direction may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the second direction. Therefore, the multiple heat exchange fibers 112 may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the multiple gas exchange fibers 122 within the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. In some cases, the first direction may be at an angle of about 60 to 90 degrees, or about 75 to 90 degrees, with respect to the second direction.

[0055]

[0072] The heat exchange fiber 112 may extend in a first direction between the fourth side 24 and the third side 23 of the housing 10 within the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. For example, the inlet end of the heat exchange fiber 112 may be placed in a potting adjacent to the fourth side panel 44, while the outlet end of the heat exchange fiber 112 may be placed in a potting adjacent to the third side panel 43. In the reverse flow case, the end of the heat exchange fiber 112 on the third side panel 43 may be considered the inlet end of the heat exchange fiber 112, and the end of the heat exchange fiber 112 on the fourth side panel 44 may be considered the outlet end of the heat exchange fiber 112.

[0056]

[0073] The gas exchange fiber 122 may extend in a second direction between the first side 21 and the second side 22 of the housing 10 within the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. For example, the inlet end of the gas exchange fiber 122 may be placed in a potting adjacent to the first side panel 41, while the outlet end of the gas exchange fiber 122 may be placed in a potting adjacent to the second side panel (e.g., the second inner side panel 42a).

[0057]

[0074] Returning to Figure 8, the flow path of the heat exchange fluid (e.g., water) is further described. The heat exchange fluid may enter the oxygen supplier 2 through a first heat exchange fluid port 62 (i.e., a heat exchange fluid inlet) located on the second side 22 of the housing 10. The heat exchange fluid may then enter an insulated barrier chamber 70 extending along the second side 22 of the housing 10. The heat exchange fluid may flow through the insulated barrier chamber 70 into a heat exchange fluid passage 72 defined along the second side 22, and then into a heat exchange fluid passage 74 defined along the fourth side 24. The heat exchange fluid passage 74 may extend for a considerable length of the fourth side 24, allowing the heat exchange fluid to reach the inlet ends of a plurality of heat exchange fluid fibers located within the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. The heat exchange fluid may then pass through the heat exchange fiber 112 from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 in the first direction, as shown in Figure 8. The heat exchange fluid may then exit from the outlet end of the heat exchange fiber on the third side surface 23 and exit the oxygen supplier 2 through the second heat exchange fluid port 64 (i.e., the heat exchange fluid outlet) extending from the third side surface 23 (for example, exiting the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 of the housing 10 of the oxygen supplier 2).

[0058]

[0075] In an alternative configuration where the direction of the heat exchange fluid is reversed, the heat exchange fluid may enter the oxygen supplier 2 through a second heat exchange fluid port 64 (i.e., the heat exchange fluid inlet) and flow into the inlet end of the heat exchange fiber on the third side 23. The heat exchange fluid may then pass through the heat exchange fiber 112 from the third side 23 to the fourth side 24 in the direction opposite to the first direction shown in Figure 8, and flow out from the outlet end of the heat exchange fiber on the fourth side 24. The heat exchange fluid may then flow through a heat exchange fluid passage 74 defined along the fourth side 24 and into the adiabatic barrier chamber 70 via a heat exchange fluid passage 72 defined along the second side 22. The heat exchange fluid may then exit the oxygen supplier 2 through a first heat exchange fluid port 62 (i.e., the heat exchange fluid outlet) extending from the second side 22.

[0059]

[0076] The thermal insulation barrier chamber 70 may be a space defined between the second side inner panel 42a and the second side outer panel 42b. For example, the outward-facing surface of the second side inner panel 42a may be spaced apart from the inward-facing surface of the second side outer panel 42b, defining the thermal insulation barrier chamber 70 between the panels. The thermal insulation barrier chamber 70 may extend across a large portion of the second side 22 of the housing 10, and in some cases, the thermal insulation barrier chamber 70 may extend across substantially the entire second side 22 of the housing 10. As shown in Figure 11, the thermal insulation barrier chamber 70 may extend substantially the entire height of the second side 22 between the upper and lower sides of the housing 10, thereby positioning the thermal insulation barrier chamber 70 outside the first chamber 34 and the second chamber 36. The insulated barrier chamber 70 may be in fluid communication with the heat exchange fluid passage 72, so that fluid leaving the insulated barrier chamber 70 enters the heat exchange fluid passage 72 (e.g., directly), or, in the reverse flow, fluid leaving the heat exchange fluid passage 72 enters the insulated barrier chamber 70 (e.g., directly). In some cases, the heat exchange fluid passage 72 may be integrally formed with the second side outer panel 42b, or the heat exchange fluid passage 72 may be formed separately. The heat exchange fluid passage 72 may be fluidly coupled to (e.g., in fluid communication with) the heat exchange fluid passage 74. In some cases, the heat exchange fluid passage 74 may be integrally formed with the fourth side panel 44, or the heat exchange fluid passage 74 may be formed separately. The heat exchange fluid passage 74 may extend across most of the fourth side surface 24 of the housing 10 (for example, across most of the length of the fourth side panel 44), and in some cases, the heat exchange fluid passage 74 may extend across substantially the entire fourth side surface 24 of the housing 10 (for example, across substantially the entire length of the fourth side panel 44). Thus, the heat exchange fluid passages 72 and 74 may guide the heat exchange fluid around the perimeter of the housing 10, from the second side surface 22 to the adjacent fourth side surface 24, or, in the reverse flow, from the fourth side surface 24 to the second side surface 22.For example, the heat exchange fluid passages 72 and 74 may guide the heat exchange fluid from the first heat exchange fluid port 62 (extending from the second side 22) around the perimeter of the housing 10 to the inlet end of the heat exchange fiber 112, which is located along the fourth side 24 of the housing 10 within the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. In the reverse flow, the heat exchange fluid passages 72 and 74 may guide the heat exchange fluid from the outlet end of the heat exchange fiber 112, which is located along the fourth side 24 of the housing 10 within the gas and heat exchange chamber 34, around the perimeter of the housing 10 to the first heat exchange fluid port 62 (extending from the second side 22).

[0060]

[0077] The flow path of the gas exchange fluid (e.g., oxygen or oxygen supply gas) through the gas exchange fiber 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 is also shown in Figure 8. The gas exchange fluid may flow in a second direction from the first side 21 to the second side 22, as shown in Figure 8. The second direction may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, the flow path of the gas exchange fluid through the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the flow path of the heat exchange fluid through the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. The gas exchange fluid may then exit from the outlet end of the gas exchange fiber 122 on the second side 22 and exit the oxygen supply unit 2 through a gas exchange fluid outlet 54 extending from the second side 22 (e.g., exiting the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 in the housing 10 of the oxygen supply unit 2). The flow path of the gas exchange fluid before it reaches the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 (for example, before it enters the inlet end of the gas exchange fiber 122 within the gas and heat exchange chamber 34) is described further herein.

[0061]

[0078] A further discussion of the second chamber 36 will be explained in relation to Figures 10-12. Figure 10 is a perspective bottom view of the housing 10 of the oxygen supply unit 2 with the lower panel 50 removed to view the second chamber 36 inside the oxygen supply unit 2. Figure 11 is a perspective bottom view of the housing 10 of the oxygen supply unit 2 with the lower panel 50 and the second side panels (e.g., the second inner side panel 42a and the second outer side panel 42b) removed to view the first chamber 34 and the second chamber 36 inside the oxygen supply unit 2. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the oxygen supply unit 2 through the second chamber 36, which will be described hereafter as the gas exchange chamber, showing the gas exchange fluid flow path through the second chamber 36.

[0062]

[0079] The gas exchange chamber 36 may be configured to provide further gas exchange between a gas exchange fluid (e.g., oxygen) and blood flowing through the gas exchange chamber 36. For example, the gas exchange chamber 36 may include a plurality of gas exchange fibers arranged as gas exchange sections of fibers within the gas exchange chamber 36. Blood may flow around the plurality of gas exchange fibers as it flows through the gas exchange chamber 36. One possible arrangement of the gas exchange sections of fibers is shown in Figure 13.

[0063]

[0080] As shown in Figure 13, the gas exchange fiber section 200 may include a first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 and a second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222. In some cases, the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 may be arranged in one or more first gas exchange fiber layers 210, and / or the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 may be arranged in one or more second gas exchange fiber layers 220. The first gas exchange fiber layers 210 may alternate with the second gas exchange fiber layers 220, for example, along the thickness dimension of the gas exchange fiber section 200. For example, the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 in each gas exchange fiber layer of the first gas exchange fiber layer 210 in the gas exchange chamber 36 may be arranged in a first direction, and the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in each gas exchange fiber layer of the second gas exchange fiber layer 220 in the gas exchange chamber 36 may be arranged in a second direction. In some cases, the first direction may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the second direction. Thus, the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 within the gas exchange chamber 36. In some cases, the first direction may be at an angle of about 60 to 90 degrees, or about 75 to 90 degrees, with respect to the second direction.

[0064]

[0081] The first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 may extend in a first direction between the fourth side 24 and the third side 23 of the housing 10 within the gas exchange chamber 36. For example, the inlet ends of the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 may be placed in a potting adjacent to the fourth side panel 44, while the outlet ends of the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 may be placed in a potting adjacent to the third side panel 43.

[0065]

[0082] The second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 may extend in a second direction between the first side 21 and the second side 22 of the housing 10 within the gas exchange chamber 36. For example, the inlet ends of the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 may be placed in potting adjacent to the first side panel 41, while the outlet ends of the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 may be placed in potting adjacent to the second side panel (e.g., the second inner side panel 42a).

[0066]

[0083] The orientation or direction of the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 may be the same as that of the gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. In other words, the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 may be arranged parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34, in which case the inlet ends of both the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 and the gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 are placed in potting adjacent to the first side surface 21, and the outlet ends of both the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 and the gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 are placed in potting adjacent to the second side surface 22.

[0067]

[0084] Returning to Figure 12, the flow path of the gas exchange fluid (e.g., oxygen or oxygen supply gas) is further described. The gas exchange fluid may enter the oxygen supply unit 2 through a gas exchange fluid inlet 52 located on the fourth side 24 of the housing 10. The gas exchange fluid may then flow into the inlet end of a first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 located within the gas exchange chamber 36. The gas exchange fluid may then pass through the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 in the first direction, as shown in Figure 12. The gas exchange fluid may then flow out from the outlet end of the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 on the third side 23 and enter a gas exchange fluid passage 82 extending along the third side 23.

[0068]

[0085] The gas exchange fluid passage 82 may be fluid-coupled (for example, fluid-communicated) to a gas exchange fluid passage 84 extending along the first side surface 21. In some cases, the gas exchange fluid passage 82 may be integrally formed with the third side panel 43, or the gas exchange fluid passage 82 may be formed separately. In some cases, the gas exchange fluid passage 84 may be integrally formed with the first side panel 41, or the gas exchange fluid passage 84 may be formed separately. Thus, the gas exchange fluid passages 82 and 84 may guide the gas exchange fluid around the perimeter of the housing 10, from the third side surface 23 of the housing 10 to the adjacent first side surface 21. For example, the gas exchange fluid passages 82 and 84 may guide the gas exchange fluid from the outlet ends of a first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 in the gas exchange chamber 36, around the perimeter of the housing 10, to the inlet ends of a second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36.

[0069]

[0086] The gas exchange fluid (e.g., oxygen or oxygen supply gas) may then flow in a second direction from the first side 21 to the second side 22, as shown in Figure 12. The second direction may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, the flow path of the gas exchange fluid through the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 in the gas exchange chamber 36 may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the flow path of the gas exchange fluid through the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36. Thus, the gas exchange fluid sequentially passes through the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 in the first direction and then through the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the second direction, improving the efficiency of O2 and CO2 gas exchange between the gas exchange fluid and the blood. The gas exchange fluid may then exit from the outlet ends of the second set of gas exchange fibers 222 located on the second side 22 and exit the oxygen supply unit 2 through a gas exchange fluid outlet 54 extending from the second side 22 (for example, exiting the gas exchange chamber 36 of the housing 10 of the oxygen supply unit 2).

[0070]

[0087] Furthermore, the gas exchange fluid passages 82 and 84 may guide the gas exchange fluid from the outlet ends of the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 in the gas exchange chamber 36, around the perimeter of the housing 10, to the inlet ends of the gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. Thus, the gas exchange fluid passages 82 and 84 may be in fluid communication with the inlet ends of both the gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 and the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36. In other words, the gas exchange fluid exiting the gas exchange fluid passage 84 on the first side surface 21 may be distributed or split between the inlet ends of the gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 and the inlet ends of the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36. Therefore, the gas exchange fluid may pass through the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 in the gas exchange chamber 36 in the first direction before passing through the gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 in the second direction.

[0071]

[0088] The sequential flow path of the gas exchange fluid through the oxygen supply unit 2 may improve gas exchange between the gas exchange fluid and the blood, as well as provide other beneficial effects. The gas exchange fluid may pass through a first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 in the gas exchange chamber 36 at a first velocity from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 in the first direction, as shown in Figure 12, but thereafter the amount of gas exchange fluid passing through the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 is divided between a second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 and a plurality of gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 as the gas exchange fluid passes through a second direction from the first side 21 to the second side 22, as shown in Figures 8 and 12. Because the sum of the amounts of the second set of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 and the set of gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 (or at least the sum of the cross-sectional areas of their lumens) is greater than the amount of the first set of gas exchange fibers 212 in the gas exchange chamber 36 (or at least the total cross-sectional area of ​​their lumens), the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing in the second direction decreases. Therefore, the sequential flow path of the gas exchange fluid through the oxygen supplier 2 is such that the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing in the first direction across the housing 10 from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 is greater than the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing in the second direction across the housing 10 from the first side 21 to the second side 22.

[0072]

[0089] In some cases, the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing across the housing 10 in the first direction from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 is 20% or more greater than the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing across the housing 10 in the second direction from the first side 21 to the second side 22. In some cases, the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing across the housing 10 in the first direction from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 is 25% or more greater than the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing across the housing 10 in the second direction from the first side 21 to the second side 22. In some cases, the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing across the housing 10 in the first direction from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 is 30% or more greater than the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing across the housing 10 in the second direction from the first side 21 to the second side 22. In several cases, the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing across the housing 10 in the first direction from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 is more than 50% greater than the velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing across the housing 10 in the second direction from the first side 21 to the second side 22.

[0073]

[0090] In some cases, the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the first direction may be approximately 1.2 times or more the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the second direction. In some cases, the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the first direction may be approximately 1.25 times or more the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the second direction. In some cases, the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the first direction may be approximately 1.3 times or more the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the second direction. In some cases, the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the first direction may be approximately 1.5 times or more the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the second direction. In some cases, the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the first direction may be approximately 2 times or more the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the second direction. Depending on the quantity, size, and arrangement of the gas exchange fibers, the ratio of the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the first direction to the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid in the second direction may be, for example, 1.2:1 or greater, 1.25:1 or greater, 1.3:1 or greater, 1.4:1 or greater, 1.5:1 or greater, 1.75:1 or greater, 2:1 or greater, 2.25:1 or greater, or 2.5:1 or greater.

[0074]

[0091] In other words, the amount of gas exchange fluid passing through the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 is then divided among the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 and the plurality of gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34. As shown in Figure 12, the flow rate of gas exchange fluid passing through the first plurality of gas exchange fibers 212 in the gas exchange chamber 36 from the fourth side 24 to the third side 23 in the first direction may be greater than the flow rate of gas exchange fluid passing through any of the second plurality of gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 and the plurality of gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 when the gas exchange fluid passes through the second direction from the first side 21 to the second side 22, as shown in Figures 8 and 12.

[0075]

[0092] An insulating barrier chamber 70 provided within the housing 10 of the oxygen supply unit 2 may provide further benefits. For example, the presence of an insulating barrier chamber 70 positioned between the gas exchange fluid outlet 54 and the outlet ends of the multiple gas exchange fibers 122 in the gas and heat exchange chamber 34 and the second multiple gas exchange fibers 222 in the gas exchange chamber 36 may reduce or eliminate vapor condensation that may normally form in the oxygen supply unit 2 near the gas exchange fluid outlet 54. Thus, the heat exchange fluid flowing through the oxygen supply unit 2 may act as an expansion barrier to reduce or eliminate vapor condensation near the gas exchange fluid outlet 54, and may also provide heating and / or cooling of the blood flowing through the oxygen supply unit 2.

[0076]

[0093] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, merely illustrative. Modifications may be made in detail, particularly with respect to shape, size, and step arrangement, without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, the use of any feature of one exemplary embodiment used in other embodiments. The scope of this disclosure is, of course, defined by the language in which the appended claims are expressed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 2. Oxygen supply unit 10 Housing 12 Blood inlet 14 Blood outlet 18 connectors 20 Top 21. First Aspect 22. Second Aspect 23. The Third Aspect 24. The Fourth Aspect 30 Lower 32 Internal 34 First or upper chamber (gas and heat exchange chamber) 36. Second or lower chamber (gas exchange chamber) 38 Dividers or Partitions 39 Aperture or opening 40 Top panel 41. First side panel 42 Second side panel 43 Third side panel 44. Fourth side panel 42 Second side panel 42a Second side inner panel 42b Second side outer panel 43 Third side panel 44. Fourth side panel 50 Lower panel 52 Gas Inlet (Gas Exchange Fluid Inlet) 54 Gas outlet (gas exchange fluid outlet) 56 auxiliary ports 58a First auxiliary port 58b Second auxiliary port 58c Third auxiliary port 62 First heat exchange fluid port 64 Second heat exchange fluid port 70 Insulated Barrier Chamber 72, 74 Heat exchange fluid passage 82, 84 Gas exchange fluid passage 100 Gas and heat exchange fiber sections 110 Heat exchange fiber layer 112 Heat exchange fiber 120 Gas exchange fiber layer 122 Gas exchange fiber 200 Gas Exchange Fiber Sections 210 First gas exchange fiber layer 212 First Multiple Gas Exchange Fibers 220 Second gas exchange fiber layer 222 Second Multiple Gas Exchange Fibers

Claims

1. It is an oxygen supply device, A housing that defines the internal chamber, The plurality of gas exchange fibers within the internal chamber include one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction and one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Gas exchange fluid inlet, Gas exchange fluid outlet, An oxygen supplyer comprising a gas exchange fluid passage for passing gas through a plurality of gas exchange fibers in order to supply oxygen to blood in the internal chamber, wherein the gas exchange fluid passage sequentially passes from the gas exchange fluid inlet, through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction, through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction, and exits from the gas exchange fluid outlet.

2. The housing includes a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a third side surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface, and a fourth side surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface and opposite the third side surface. The oxygen supply device according to claim 1, wherein the gas exchange fluid passage passes through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the first direction from the fourth side to the third side, and thereafter the gas exchange fluid passage passes through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction from the first side to the second side.

3. The oxygen supply according to claim 2, wherein the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of the gas exchange fiber extending in the first direction from the fourth side to the third side is greater than the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of the gas exchange fiber extending in the second direction from the first side to the second side.

4. The oxygen supply device according to claim 3, wherein the first speed is 1.25 times or more the speed of the second speed.

5. The oxygen supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a gas exchange fluid passage defined within the housing between the gas outlet end of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the first direction and the gas inlet end of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction.

6. The oxygen supply device according to claim 1, wherein the internal chamber is a gas exchange chamber, the housing includes a second internal chamber which is a gas and heat exchange chamber, and the gas and heat exchange chamber includes a plurality of gas exchange fibers within the gas and heat exchange chamber and a plurality of heat exchange fibers within the gas and heat exchange chamber.

7. The oxygen supply device according to claim 6, further comprising a partition between the gas exchange chamber and the gas and heat exchange chamber.

8. The oxygen supply device according to claim 6, wherein the housing includes a blood inlet that is in fluid communication with the gas and heat exchange chamber and a blood outlet that is in fluid communication with the gas exchange chamber.

9. The oxygen supply device according to claim 8, wherein the blood flow path sequentially passes from the blood inlet, through the gas and heat exchange chamber, through the gas exchange chamber, and out through the blood outlet.

10. The oxygen supply device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of heat exchange fibers in the gas and heat exchange chamber are arranged in a first direction, and the plurality of gas exchange fibers in the gas and heat exchange chamber are arranged in a second direction.

11. The housing includes a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a third side surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface, and a fourth side surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface and opposite the third side surface. The gas exchange fluid passage passes through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the first direction from the fourth side to the third side, and thereafter the gas exchange fluid passage passes through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction from the first side to the second side. The oxygen supply according to claim 1, wherein the second side comprises an adiabatic fluid barrier chamber configured to be filled with a fluid heat exchange fluid.

12. The oxygen supply device according to claim 11, wherein the housing includes a heat exchange fluid port that is in fluid communication with the adiabatic fluid barrier chamber.

13. The oxygen supply according to claim 12, wherein both the heat exchange fluid port and the gas exchange fluid outlet are located on the second side surface of the housing.

14. The oxygen supply according to claim 11, wherein the adiabatic fluid barrier chamber is positioned between the outlet ends of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction on the second side surface and the outside of the second side surface of the housing.

15. It is an oxygen supply device, A housing that defines the interior, the interior of which includes a gas exchange chamber and a gas and heat exchange chamber, A partition between the gas exchange chamber and the gas and heat exchange chamber, Multiple gas exchange fibers in the gas exchange chamber, Multiple gas exchange fibers in the gas and heat exchange chamber, An oxygen supply unit comprising the gas and a plurality of heat exchange fibers arranged within a heat exchange chamber.

16. The plurality of gas exchange fibers in the gas exchange chamber One or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction, It includes one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction, The oxygen supply according to claim 15, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

17. The oxygen supply device according to claim 16, wherein a gas exchange fluid passage for passing gas through a plurality of gas exchange fibers in the gas exchange chamber in order to supply oxygen to the blood in the gas exchange chamber passes sequentially through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the first direction, and then through one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction.

18. The oxygen supply according to claim 17, wherein the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of the gas exchange fiber extending in the first direction is greater than the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of the gas exchange fiber extending in the second direction.

19. The oxygen supply according to claim 17, further comprising a gas exchange fluid passage defined within the housing between the gas outlet end of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the first direction and the gas inlet end of one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction.

20. The plurality of heat exchange fibers arranged within the gas and heat exchange chamber include one or more layers of heat exchange fibers extending in the first direction, The oxygen supply according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of gas exchange fibers arranged in the gas and heat exchange chamber include one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in the second direction.

21. It is an oxygen supply device, A housing comprising a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a third side surface extending between the first and second side surfaces, and a fourth side surface extending between the first and second side surfaces and opposite the third side surface, defining the interior of the housing, A plurality of gas exchange fibers within the housing, which extend between the first side and the second side, and whose gas outflow from the plurality of gas exchange fibers follows the second side, The plurality of heat exchange fibers inside the housing, A gas exchange fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the plurality of gas exchange fibers, A gas exchange fluid outlet that is in fluid communication with the plurality of gas exchange fibers, A heat exchange fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the heat exchange fiber, The heat exchange fiber is connected to a heat exchange fluid outlet, An oxygen supply unit comprising an adiabatic fluid barrier chamber configured such that the second side is filled with a fluid heat exchange fluid from the heat exchange fluid inlet.

22. The oxygen supply device according to claim 21, wherein the adiabatic fluid barrier chamber is fluidly arranged between the heat exchange fluid inlet and the inlet ends of the plurality of heat exchange fibers.

23. The oxygen supply device according to claim 21, wherein the inlet ends of the plurality of heat exchange fibers are located along the fourth side surface, and the plurality of heat exchange fibers extend between the fourth side surface and the third side surface.

24. It is an oxygen supply device, A housing that defines the interior, The plurality of gas exchange fibers within the interior include one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a first direction and one or more layers of gas exchange fibers extending in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, Gas exchange fluid inlet, Gas exchange fluid outlet, The housing is provided with a gas exchange fluid passage for supplying oxygen to the blood inside the housing, through which gas passes from the gas exchange fluid inlet, through the plurality of gas exchange fibers, to the gas exchange fluid outlet, An oxygen supply in which the first velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of the gas exchange fiber extending in the first direction is greater than the second velocity of the gas exchange fluid flowing through one or more layers of the gas exchange fiber extending in the second direction.

25. The oxygen supply device according to claim 24, wherein the first speed is 1.25 times or more the speed of the second speed.

Images