Tube mat for an oxygenator, and oxygenator having such a tube mat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tube mat for an oxygenator (1) comprising: a plurality of tube sections (13) which are arranged next to one another with respect to their tube longitudinal axis (14), and at least two effective seams (16) arranged with a longitudinal spacing (LA) oriented along the tube longitudinal axis (14), said effective seams connecting the tube sections (13) to one another, wherein the effective seams (16) are arranged on the tube sections (13) in a manner stabilised against unintentional slipping along the tube longitudinal axis (14), and wherein the effective seams (16) are arranged in a zig-zag manner on the tube sections (13) and / or the tube mat has at least one stabilising thread (17), designed as a multifilament, which connects at least two effective seams (16) to one another. The invention also relates to an oxygenator (1) having a tube mat (9).

Description

[0001] Hose mat for an oxygenator and oxygenator with such a hose mat

[0002] The invention relates to a hose mat for an oxygenator and to an oxygenator with such a hose mat.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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 14.

[0006] 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 between 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 other than 90°, in particular a constant one, with the longitudinal axes of the tubes. 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, thus 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. Narrowing and compaction of the annular space are prevented.This avoids 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.

[0007] Furthermore, according to the invention, the knitted seams are arranged in a zigzag pattern on the tube sections. Additionally or alternatively, according to the invention, the tube mat comprises at least one multifilament stabilizing thread that connects at least two knitted seams to each other.

[0008] By providing a stabilizing thread according to the invention, the arrangement of the knitted seams on the hose sections can be further stabilized. In particular, the stabilizing thread can connect two adjacently arranged knitted seams. The at least one stabilizing thread can serve as a spacer.

[0009] A stabilizing thread according to the invention can also ensure advantageous material properties. "Multifilament" refers to a multi-filament yarn in which the individual threads can be twisted together. The material used can be, 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).

[0010] By means of a zigzag arrangement of the knitted seam sections according to the invention, the tube sections can be pulled apart in a transverse direction to the tube's longitudinal axes. This allows the opening angle of the knitted seam sections to increase by stretching the knitted seam sections. The elastic stretching of the knitted seam sections can impart a restoring force. After the external force has ceased, the tube mat can be returned to its original zigzag arrangement of the knitted seam sections, in particular independently. The tube mat can exhibit a uniform recovery behavior.

[0011] According to one embodiment, two knitted seam sections, which can in particular be fastened to a hose section, can enclose an opening angle (w), where: w <180°, in particular w <170°, in particular w <160° and in particular w <150°.

[0012] Advantageously, the tubular mat according to this embodiment exhibits good dimensional stability and, in particular, improved elasticity in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axes of the tubing. The knitted seam comprises, in particular, a plurality of knitted seam sections, wherein adjacent knitted seam sections in particular 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 tubing section.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the at least one stabilizing thread can be arranged substantially within a row of stitches. The at least one stabilizing thread can, in particular, be arranged with a longitudinal section substantially within a row of stitches.

[0014] Advantageously, in this embodiment of the tubular mat, a stitch row can be formed by corresponding stitches of the knitted seams on the, in particular, one and the same, tubular section. A stitch row can therefore be oriented along the tubular sections, i.e., the tubular longitudinal axis, and in particular parallel to the tubular sections. The stitch row can be oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the knitted seam. The stabilizing thread can, in particular, be arranged in a meandering shape, with the longitudinal sections arranged within the stitch rows, which can be connected to one another by respective end-side deflection sections across a stitch row. The deflection sections can, in particular, be U-shaped. Apart from the U-shaped deflection sections, the stabilizing thread can be arranged within a respective stitch row.The stabilizing thread can be arranged with the longitudinal sections parallel to the tube sections.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the at least one stabilizing thread can be arranged substantially, in particular with a transverse section, transversely to a row of stitches.

[0016] Advantageously, the tubular mat in this embodiment can exhibit increased transverse stability. The at least one stabilizing thread can be arranged transversely to a row of stitches, except for the U-shaped deflection sections. This means that the stabilizing thread can cross at least one tubular section.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the at least one stabilizing thread can have a deflection section which extends over at least one, in particular two, in particular three, in particular four, in particular five, rows of stitches.

[0018] Advantageously, the tubular mat in this embodiment can allow for variably adjustable longitudinal stabilization of the tubular sections. The stabilizing thread, in particular the respective longitudinal section of the stabilizing thread, can extend over one or more rows of stitches.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the knitted seams can each have a knitted thread which can be attached to the hose sections with stitches.

[0020] Advantageously, the tube mat in this embodiment can have improved stability.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the knitting thread can be meshed on the hose sections without tensile stress.

[0022] Advantageously, this embodiment of the tubular mat allows for simplified production. Because the knitted thread can be meshed at the tubular sections without tension, i.e., loosely, the tubular mat can be manufactured stress-free overall. The service life of the tubular mat can be increased. According to one embodiment, the knitted thread can be meshed at the tubular sections as a fringe, weft thread, satin thread, with an open stitch, and / or with closed stitches.

[0023] Advantageously, a tubular mat in this embodiment can be manufactured with common meshes, particularly in an automated and efficient manner. The tubular mat can exhibit increased stability.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the arrangement of the stabilizing thread can be meander-shaped.

[0025] According to one embodiment, longitudinal sections of the stabilizing thread, which extend along the longitudinal axes of the tube, can be connected to one another at the ends by U-shaped deflection sections, wherein the deflection sections of the stabilizing thread can each bridge at least one tube section, in particular a row of stitches.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the stabilizing thread can extend over one row of stitches in some sections and over at least two rows of stitches in other sections. Additionally or alternatively, the stabilizing thread can connect two stitches in some areas and more than two stitches in other areas.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the tubular mat may comprise first stabilizing threads and second stabilizing threads, wherein the first stabilizing threads and the second stabilizing threads may be different.

[0028] In particular, the first stabilizing threads and the second stabilizing threads can each run substantially at right angles, in particular with their longitudinal sections parallel to the hose longitudinal axis and with their deflection sections perpendicular to the hose longitudinal axis, wherein the respective transition from longitudinal section to deflection section can be designed as a 90° deflection.

[0029] As mentioned above, the invention further relates to an oxygenator. The oxygenator comprises a housing and a heat exchanger embodied as a tube mat according to the invention. The tube mat is arranged rolled into a bundle in the housing of the oxygenator.

[0030] The oxygenator according to the invention has the advantages of the tube mat to which reference is hereby made.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the knitted seams can define gaps as spacers between tubular mat layers of the bundle.

[0032] In this embodiment, the oxygenator can have defined, in particular annular, spaces between the individual tube section layers.

[0033] This allows the space to be used for blood flow.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the housing can be designed substantially in the shape of a cylinder tube with a heat exchanger medium inflow opening and a heat exchanger medium outflow opening.

[0035] Furthermore, a blood inflow opening and a blood outflow opening can be arranged on the housing. The heat exchange medium inflow opening, the heat exchange medium outflow opening, the blood inflow opening and the blood outflow opening can each be arranged on the outer cylinder surface of the housing.

[0036] In particular, the corresponding openings for the heat exchange medium and the corresponding openings for the blood can be arranged at a distance from one another along the longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein the corresponding openings for the heat exchange medium and the corresponding openings for the blood can be arranged diametrically opposite one another in particular with respect to the cylindrical surface of the housing.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the heat exchange medium inflow opening and the blood inflow opening can each be arranged adjacent to opposite end faces of the oxygenator housing, so that a heat exchange medium and blood can flow in a countercurrent direction. According to one embodiment, the tube mat layers and intermediate spaces can be designed spirally, essentially annularly. In particular, the oxygenator can be designed for heat transfer between blood and heat exchange medium such that the blood flows through the intermediate spaces and the heat exchange medium flows through the tube mat layers.

[0038] The inventors have particularly recognized that the invention described herein can provide the following particular advantages:

[0039] During the downstream production step of producing the hose mat, the risk of one or more fringes or knitted threads, for example as multifilament or monofilament, being shifted laterally along the longitudinal axis of the individual hoses can be reduced. The hose mat can be more stable. Warping of the hose mat can be reduced and better dimensional stability can be achieved. Slipping of the individual hose layers into each other and thus compaction and / or reduction of the distance between the individual hose layers can be prevented. The hose mat can enable uniform, homogeneous fiber bundles, which can improve the efficiency and / or effectiveness of the heat exchange in an oxygenator using the hose mat.Due to the placement and / or tension of the threads, constriction and / or deformation of one or more tubes of the tube mat can be avoided, and the mat can exhibit reversible behavior, especially in the event of overstretching. The tube mat can exhibit improved elasticity, which allows for consistent recovery. This also allows for a uniform density of the tube mat and constant tube spacing. Furthermore, constrictions of the knitted threads on the tubes and thus constrictions can be reduced.

[0040] In addition, the tube mat described herein may have the following particular advantages when used, for example, in an oxygenator:

[0041] The tube mat allows for a uniform heat exchange capacity of the individual modules due to uniform winding and design. A reduced filling volume and thus less allogeneic blood dilution is possible. The tube mat described here allows for a particularly compact design of the oxygenator. Slipping of the individual tube lengths into one another, and thus compaction and / or a reduction in the distance between the individual tube lengths or tube layers, can be reduced. This can increase the efficiency and / or effectiveness of the heat exchange. Furthermore, a low blood flow pressure can be achieved, enabling a low pumping pressure. Consequently, damage to the blood cells can be reduced.

[0042] It is understood that both the features specified in the patent claims and the features specified 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.

[0043] Further features, advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0044] They show:

[0045] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an oxygenator,

[0046] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view along section line ll-ll in Fig. 1 with a rolled tube mat in an oxygenator,

[0047] Fig. 3 is a representation of a flatly spread out tube mat with a stabilizing thread according to the invention,

[0048] Fig. 4 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 3 of a tubular mat of a further embodiment in which the stabilizing thread extends over two rows of stitches,

[0049] Fig. 5 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 3 of a tubular mat of a further embodiment in which the stabilising thread extends over several knitted seams, Fig. 6 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 3 of a tubular mat of a further embodiment in which the stabilising thread is arranged transversely to the rows of stitches,

[0050] Fig. 7 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 6 of a tubular mat of a further embodiment in which the stabilizing thread extends over several knitted seams,

[0051] Fig. 8 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 3 of a tubular mat of a further embodiment with several stabilizing threads,

[0052] Fig. 9 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 8 of a tubular mat with several stabilizing threads according to a further embodiment,

[0053] Fig. 10 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 6 of a tube mat according to a further embodiment, in which the stabilizing thread is meshed with a closed mesh on the tube sections,

[0054] Fig. 11 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 10 with stabilizing threads meshed by means of open stitches,

[0055] Fig. 12 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 3 of a tube mat according to a further embodiment with two additional laying rails, and

[0056] Fig. 13 is 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.

[0057] An oxygenator 1, shown in Figs. 1 and 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In the following, an embodiment of a hose mat 9 is explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. 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 shape, 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 connected to one another by U-shaped end sections 15 in the illustration shown in Fig. 3. The end sections 15 are separated from the hose mat 9 for use as a heat exchanger.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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°.

[0063] 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).

[0064] The endless hose 12, i.e. the hose sections 13, are each made of polyurethane.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9, wherein the stabilizing thread 17 extends over two rows of stitches 19. 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Fig. 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9 with a plurality of stabilizing threads 17. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, 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 tube's longitudinal axes 14. In a tubular mat 9 in which a plurality of 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of a tubular mat 9, wherein the stabilizing thread 17 is interlaced at the knitted seam 16 by means of an open fringe. Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a tubular 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 tubular longitudinal axes 14 and with the deflection sections 20, 20a perpendicular to the tubular longitudinal axes 14. The respective transition from the longitudinal section to the deflection section is designed as a 90° deflection.

[0077] The first stabilizing threads 17, which are shown on the left in Fig. 12, extend with the longitudinal sections 18 over two adjacent knitted seams 16 and in the transverse direction over two tube sections 13.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The second stabilizing threads 17a, together with the deflection sections 20a, are also arranged across two tube sections 13, with the respective longitudinal sections 18a extending comparatively short, in particular only across a single knitted seam 16. As shown in Fig. 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 exemplary embodiment shown, 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. However, this embodiment can also be combined with at least one stabilizing thread.

[0083] 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.

[0084] This description also covers the following aspects:

[0085] 1. Hose mat for an oxygenator (1) comprising a. a plurality of hose sections (13) which are 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 hose axis (14) and 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 hose axis (14).

[0086] 2. Hose mat according to aspect 1, characterized in 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°.

[0087] 3. Tubular mat according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized by at least one stabilizing thread (17) which connects at least two, in particular adjacently arranged, knitted seams (16) to one another.

[0088] 4. Tubular mat according to aspect 3, characterized in that the at least one stabilizing thread (17) is arranged substantially, in particular with a longitudinal section (18) within a row of stitches (19).

[0089] 5. Tubular mat according to aspect 3 or 4, characterized in 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).

[0090] 6. Tubular mat according to one of aspects 3 to 5, characterized in 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).

[0091] 7. The tubular mat according to any one of aspects 3 to 6, characterized in that the at least one stabilizing thread (17) is designed as a monofilament or as a multifilament. 8. The tubular mat according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the knitted seams (16) each comprise a knitted thread that is attached to the tubular sections (13) with stitches (23). 9. The tubular mat according to aspect 8, characterized in that the knitted thread is intermeshed with the tubular sections (13) without tensile stress.

[0092] 10. Tubular mat according to aspect 8 or 9, characterized in 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 tubular sections (13).

[0093] 11. Oxygenator (1) with a hose mat (9) according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the hose mat (9) is arranged rolled into a bundle in a housing (3) of the oxygenator (1).

[0094] 12. Oxygenator (1) according to aspect 11, characterized in that the knitted seams (16) define intermediate spaces (11) as spacers between tube mat layers (10) of the bundle.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A hose mat for an oxygenator (1) comprising a plurality of hose sections (13) which are arranged next to one another with respect to their longitudinal hose axis (14), and at least two knitted seams (16) which are arranged with a longitudinal spacing (LA) oriented along the longitudinal hose axis (14) and which connect the hose sections (13) to one another, wherein the knitted seams (16) are arranged on the hose sections (13) in a stabilized manner against unintentional slipping along the longitudinal hose axis (14), and wherein the knitted seams (16) are arranged in a zigzag manner on the hose sections (13) and / or the hose mat has at least one stabilizing thread (17) designed as a multifilament which connects at least two knitted seams (16) to one another.

2. Hose mat according to claim 1, wherein two knitted seam sections (22), which are in particular fastened, in particular meshed, 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. Tubular mat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one stabilizing thread (17) is arranged substantially within a row of stitches (19).

4. Tubular mat according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabilizing thread (17) is arranged substantially, in particular with a transverse section (21), transversely to a row of stitches (19).

5. Tubular mat according to one of the preceding claims, wherein 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).

6. Tubular mat according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the knitted seams (16) each have a knitted thread which is fastened to the tubular sections (13) by means of stitches (23).

7. Hose mat according to claim 6, wherein the knitting thread is meshed without tensile stress on the hose sections (13).

8. Tubular mat according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the knitting thread is meshed as a fringe, weft thread, satin thread, with an open stitch and / or with a closed stitch on the tubular sections (13).

9. Hose mat (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement of the stabilizing thread (17) is meander-shaped.

10. Hose mat (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein longitudinal sections (18) of the stabilizing thread (17) which extend along the hose longitudinal axes (14) are connected to one another at the ends by U-shaped deflection sections (20), wherein the deflection sections (20) of the stabilizing thread (17) each bridge at least one hose section (13), in particular a row of stitches (19).

11. A tubular mat (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing thread (17) extends in sections over one row of stitches (19) and in other sections over at least two rows of stitches (19); and / or wherein the stabilizing thread (17) connects two knitted seams in some areas and more than two knitted seams in other areas.

12. Tubular mat according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular mat has first stabilizing threads (17) and second stabilizing threads (17a), wherein the first stabilizing threads (17) and the second stabilizing threads (17a) are different.

13. A hose mat according to claim 12, wherein the first stabilizing threads (17) and the second stabilizing threads (17a) are each arranged substantially at right angles, in particular with their longitudinal sections (18, 18a) parallel to the hose longitudinal axis (14) and with their deflection sections (20, 20a) perpendicular to the hose longitudinal axis (14), wherein the respective transition from longitudinal section to deflection section is designed as a 90° deflection.

14. Oxygenator (1) comprising: a housing (3) and a heat exchanger (2) which is designed as a hose mat (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hose mat (9) is arranged rolled into a bundle in the housing (3) of the oxygenator (1).

15. Oxygenator (1) according to claim 14, wherein the knitted seams (16) define intermediate spaces (11) as spacers between tube mat layers (10) of the bundle.

16. Oxygenator (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the housing (3) is substantially cylindrical in shape with a heat exchanger medium inflow opening (4) and a heat exchanger medium outflow opening (5).

17. Oxygenator (1) according to claim 16, wherein a blood inflow opening (6) and a blood outflow opening (7) are arranged on the housing (3), wherein the heat exchange medium inflow opening (4), the heat exchange medium outflow opening (5), the blood inflow opening (6) and the blood outflow opening (7) are each arranged on the outer cylindrical surface of the housing (3).

18. Oxygenator (1) according to claim 17, wherein the corresponding openings for the heat exchange medium (4, 5) and the corresponding openings for the blood (6, 7) are arranged at a distance from one another along the longitudinal axis (8) of the housing (3), wherein the corresponding openings for the heat exchange medium (4, 5) and the corresponding openings for the blood (6, 7) are arranged in particular diametrically opposite one another with respect to the cylindrical surface of the housing (3).

19. Oxygenator (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the heat exchange medium inflow opening (4) and the blood inflow opening (6) are each arranged adjacent to opposite end faces of the housing (3) of the oxygenator (1), so that a heat exchange medium and blood flow in countercurrent direction.

20. Oxygenator according to one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the tube mat layers (10) and intermediate spaces (11) are designed spirally, substantially annularly, wherein for heat transfer between blood and heat exchange medium the oxygenator (1) is designed in particular such that the blood flows through the intermediate spaces (11) and the heat exchange medium flows through the tube mat layers (10).

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