Composite Membrane for ECMO Blood Oxygenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems face challenges in efficiently oxygenating blood while minimizing thrombosis and hemolysis risks, particularly due to the mechanical stress and pressure-induced deformation of traditional membranes.
Innovation Solution
A gas exchange composite membrane comprising a non-porous, gas-permeable polymeric membrane attached to a non-compliant, microporous membrane with strategically designed struts and porosity, which reduces mechanical stress and prevents gas embolism while maintaining high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical pump system is used to circulate blood through the ECMO system, then blood oxygenation can be achieved, but mechanical stress and pressure-induced deformation of membranes increase thrombosis and hemolysis risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microporous membrane structure with controlled pore sizes and distributions to enable gas exchange while reducing mechanical stress on blood cells. The porous architecture allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through while maintaining membrane flexibility that prevents pressure-induced deformation, thereby reducing thrombosis and hemolysis risks during blood circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite membrane structures combining different material properties - such as hydrophilic/hydrophobic layers or polymer combinations - to achieve optimal gas permeability while maintaining mechanical integrity. This composite approach allows the membrane to withstand pressure gradients without deformation while facilitating efficient oxygenation, thus resolving the contradiction between oxygenation efficiency and thrombosis prevention
2Strength
If membrane thickness is increased to maintain structural integrity under pressure, then membrane strength improves, but gas permeability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microporous membrane structure with controlled pore sizes and distributions to enable gas exchange while reducing mechanical stress on blood cells. The porous architecture allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through while maintaining membrane flexibility that prevents pressure-induced deformation, thereby reducing thrombosis and hemolysis risks during blood circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite membrane structures combining different material properties - such as hydrophilic/hydrophobic layers or polymer combinations - to achieve optimal gas permeability while maintaining mechanical integrity. This composite approach allows the membrane to withstand pressure gradients without deformation while facilitating efficient oxygenation, thus resolving the contradiction between oxygenation efficiency and thrombosis prevention
3Productivity
If membrane porosity is increased to enhance gas diffusion, then gas exchange efficiency improves, but mechanical stability and resistance to pressure gradients deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microporous membrane structure with controlled pore sizes and distributions to enable gas exchange while reducing mechanical stress on blood cells. The porous architecture allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through while maintaining membrane flexibility that prevents pressure-induced deformation, thereby reducing thrombosis and hemolysis risks during blood circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite membrane structures combining different material properties - such as hydrophilic/hydrophobic layers or polymer combinations - to achieve optimal gas permeability while maintaining mechanical integrity. This composite approach allows the membrane to withstand pressure gradients without deformation while facilitating efficient oxygenation, thus resolving the contradiction between oxygenation efficiency and thrombosis prevention
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
The composite membrane effectively oxygenates blood with reduced risk of thrombosis and hemolysis, maintaining membrane integrity under pressure gradients and ensuring efficient gas exchange, as demonstrated by ex vivo and in vivo testing.
Implementation Method 1
a non-porous, gas-permeable, polymeric membrane defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface
Implementation Method 2
a non-compliant, microporous membrane defining a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the microporous membrane includes one or more gas diffusion windows
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a gas exchange composite membrane and methods of making the same. The gas exchange composite membrane may find use in a method of exchanging gas with blood in a subject in need of blood oxygenation support, which method is also disclosed. Also provided herein are systems and kits that find use in performing the methods of exchanging gas with blood.