Blood Oxygenator Flow Distribution Structure for Even Hollow-Fiber Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood oxygenation devices in extracorporeal circuits are cumbersome and not optimized for efficient gas and heat exchange, particularly during long-term perfusion procedures like ECMO, necessitating a more compact and efficient design.
Innovation Solution
A flow distribution structure within the oxygenation device featuring a tapered proximal portion and spiraling dividers that evenly distribute blood flow for efficient gas and heat exchange, incorporating a housing with a central inlet and multiple dividers to separate blood into streams for optimal module interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional blood oxygenation devices are used in extracorporeal circuits, then basic gas exchange function is provided, but the devices are cumbersome and not optimized for efficient gas and heat exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The blood oxygenation device is divided into multiple functional modules including a heat exchanger module with hollow fiber bundles and a flow distribution structure with multiple chambers. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally while contributing to overall compactness and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution structure integrates multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) into a single compact unit that handles both gas exchange and heat exchange functions. The hollow fiber bundles are arranged to serve dual purposes in different chambers, merging functions to reduce overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hollow fibers are organized in traditional configurations (single或多filament woven around core or stacked mats), then structural stability is maintained, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hollow fiber bundles are nested within each other in a concentric arrangement, with inner bundles surrounded by outer bundles. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization, maintains structural stability through symmetric distribution, and significantly reduces the overall device volume compared to traditional stacked or woven configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fibers are arranged in a three-dimensional concentric configuration rather than traditional two-dimensional stacked mats or simple woven patterns. This spatial optimization in multiple dimensions allows for compact packaging while maintaining adequate blood flow channels and structural integrity.
3Productivity
If blood flow is not evenly distributed in the oxygenation device, then simpler structure is used, but gas and heat exchange efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution structure is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber for gas exchange, second chamber for heat exchange, third chamber) with separate inlet and outlet pathways. This segmentation ensures that blood flow is evenly distributed to different functional zones, preventing flow maldistribution and enhancing overall exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each chamber is designed with specific local characteristics - the first chamber has configurations optimized for gas exchange, the second chamber for heat exchange, and the third chamber for flow regulation. This local optimization ensures that blood flow properties are tailored to the specific requirements of each functional zone, maximizing exchange efficiency throughout the device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances gas and heat exchange efficiency, reducing red cell stress and improving oxygenation performance by minimizing pressure drop, thus supporting prolonged extracorporeal support with reduced device size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A flow distribution structure for modifying blood flowing along the blood flow path. The structure includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer surface extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the body includes a tapered proximal portion extending from the proximal end towards the distal end.
Implementation Method 2
an oxygenator module to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and a gas mixture
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger module to exchange heat between blood and a heating or cooling fluid through the walls of semipermeable hollow fiber membranes
Implementation Method 4
the pump rotor may be levitated and kept floating by means of a magnetic field, which results in low friction operation and hence reduced hemolysis rate
Data Source
AI summary
A blood processing unit for use in connection with extracorporeal blood circulation includes a housing including a blood inlet, an upper end cap defining a central inlet opening, and a blood outlet. Blood flows along a blood flow path between the blood inlet and the blood outlet. A plurality of layers of hollow fibers are disposed inside the housing and along the blood flow path. The hollow fibers are fluidly coupled to a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port. The device includes a flow distribution structure for modifying blood flowing along the blood flow path. The structure includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer surface extending between the distal end and the proximal end. An inlet configured for connecting with the upper end cap is spaced from the proximal end. A plurality of curved dividers extend between the inlet and the body.