Hollow Fiber Oxygenator Coating for Plasma Leakage Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygenators with porous hollow fiber membranes face issues of decreased gas exchange performance due to wet lung and irreversible plasma leakage, which current methods like silicone coating on the outer surface are inefficient and require complex equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a silicone compound dissolved in an organic solvent with a surface tension of less than 70 dyn/cm is applied under a negative pressure of 50 to 150 hPa to form a coating layer on the inner surface of hollow fiber membranes, combined with an antithrombotic polymer compound on the outer surface, enhancing anti-plasma leakage and antithrombogenicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone coating is applied by moving hollow fiber membranes through silicone monomer gas during plasma discharge, then anti-plasma leakage properties are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex plasma discharge system with a simple liquid coating system. Instead of using plasma chemistry and monomer polymerization, the invention applies a pre-formed silicone oligomer solution directly to the hollow fiber membrane surface through liquid immersion or spraying, eliminating the need for plasma generators, vacuum systems, and monomer delivery apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, disposable-like coating approach where silicone oligomer solution is applied directly without requiring complex reusable equipment. The coating process can be performed with basic laboratory equipment (beakers, spray bottles, immersion tanks) that can be easily cleaned or replaced, making the system economically simple and accessible
2Reliability
If silicone coating is applied by moving hollow fiber membranes through silicone monomer gas during plasma discharge, then anti-plasma leakage properties are improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-formed silicone oligomers that are already synthesized and ready for application. Instead of generating monomers and polymerizing them in situ during plasma discharge (a time-consuming process), the invention applies pre-polymmerized silicone oligomer solutions that form the protective coating immediately upon contact with the membrane surface, significantly reducing manufacturing time
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of plasma discharge with liquid coating eliminates the time required for plasma generation, monomer delivery, and in-situ polymerization. The liquid silicone oligomer solution forms the coating layer through simple physical deposition and solvent evaporation, a much faster process that can be completed in minutes rather than hours
3Manufacturing precision
If plasma discharge is used to polymerize silicone monomers on the outer surface, then coating is formed, but the process requires high vacuum and complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the plasma discharge system with a liquid coating system. Instead of using plasma chemistry to polymerize monomers on the membrane surface, the invention applies a solution containing pre-formed silicone oligomers that deposit and form the coating layer through simple liquid-phase processes, eliminating the need for vacuum equipment and plasma generators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a liquid solvent as an intermediary carrier to deliver silicone oligomers to the membrane surface. The solvent (such as hexane, heptane, or toluene) dissolves the silicone oligomers and allows controlled application to the hollow fiber membrane, followed by solvent evaporation to leave the silicone coating, providing a simple and controllable manufacturing process
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
This approach simplifies the manufacturing process while effectively preventing plasma leakage and maintaining gas exchange performance over a long term by forming a silicone compound-containing coating layer on the inner surface and an antithrombotic polymer compound-containing coat on the outer surface.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving a silicone compound in an organic solvent having a surface tension of less than 70 dyn/cm to prepare a coating solution
Implementation Method 2
bringing an inner surface of the hollow fiber membranes into contact with the coating solution under a negative pressure of 50 hPa or more and 150 hPa or less
Implementation Method 3
bringing an inner surface of the hollow fiber membranes into contact with the coating solution under a negative pressure of 50 hPa or more and 150 hPa or less to form a silicone compound-containing coating layer on the inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
An oxygenator having a plurality of porous hollow fiber membranes for gas exchange to treat blood is manufactured by dissolving a silicone compound in an organic solvent having a surface tension of less than 70 dyn/cm to prepare a coating solution, and bringing an inner surface of the hollow fiber membranes into contact with the coating solution under a negative pressure of 50 hPa or more and 150 hPa or less to form a silicone compound-containing coating layer on the inner surface. An antithrombotic polymer compound-containing coat can be provided directly on an outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes.