Concentric-Zone Oxygenator for Gas Exchange and GME Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extracorporeal blood circuits struggle to maximize the removal of gaseous micro emboli (GME) while maintaining effective gas transfer to the patient, as conventional oxygenators and arterial filters are separate components, limiting the efficiency of GME removal.
Innovation Solution
An integrated oxygenator apparatus with concentrically arranged zones, where one zone oxygenates blood and another zone removes GME using negative pressure, allowing separate and efficient gas transfer and emboli removal within a single housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separate oxygenators and arterial filters are used, then gas transfer function is maintained, but GME removal efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxygenator and arterial filter into a single integrated device with concentric zones. The first zone performs gas exchange (oxygenation) while the second zone removes gaseous microemboli, eliminating the need for separate components and improving GME removal efficiency through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested concentric structure where the second zone (GME removal) is arranged concentrically around the first zone (gas exchange). This nesting allows both functions to operate simultaneously within a compact integrated housing, maximizing space utilization and functional coordination.
2Reliability
If arterial filter is placed downstream from oxygenator, then GME removal can be performed, but gas transfer efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the membrane assembly into distinct functional zones: a first zone for gas exchange and a second zone for GME removal. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while operating simultaneously, ensuring both efficient gas transfer and effective emboli removal without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional properties to different zones of the same device. The first zone is configured for optimal gas exchange with appropriate membrane characteristics, while the second zone is configured for GME removal with different membrane properties, allowing each local region to perform its specific function at peak efficiency.
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 apparatus effectively oxygenates blood, removes carbon dioxide, and separates GME, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of extracorporeal blood treatment by integrating oxygenation and emboli removal functions.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow fibers are considered to form a membrane, separating the 'gas side' from the 'blood side' pathway of the oxygenator with the wall of the hollow fiber separating the gas side from the blood side. Due to the relatively high concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood arriving from the patient, carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood, diffusing across the microporous fibers and into the passing stream of oxygenating gas. At the same time, oxygen is transferred from the oxygenating gas, diffusing across the fibers and into the blood.
Implementation Method 2
the second zone is configured to be fluidly coupled to a negative pressure source to apply negative pressure to the interior side of the second plurality of gas exchange elements in the second zone
Data Source
AI summary
An oxygenator apparatus for use in an extracorporeal circuit. The apparatus includes a housing and a membrane assembly disposed within the housing. The membrane assembly includes a first plurality of gas exchange elements disposed in a first zone and a second plurality of gas exchange elements disposed in a second zone. The second zone is arranged concentrically around the first zone. The first and second plurality of gas exchange elements are fluidly open along a body and fluidly separated along a distal end. The first zone is configured to be fluidly coupled to an oxygen source and the second zone is configured to be fluidly coupled to a negative pressure source. A blood flow path includes a generally radial flow through the first zone to add oxygen to the blood and the second zone to separate gaseous micro emboli from the blood through the plurality of gas exchange elements.