Spiral Flow Distribution Structure for Compact Blood Oxygenators
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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 in long-term perfusion procedures like ECMO, necessitating a compact and lightweight design that maintains effective blood flow distribution.
Innovation Solution
A flow distribution structure with a tapered proximal portion and spiral dividers within the blood oxygenation device, which separates blood into multiple streams for efficient gas and heat exchange, using hollow fibers arranged in a concentric configuration with a separation grid to optimize blood flow and reduce mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional blood oxygenation devices are used in extracorporeal circuits, then blood oxygenation 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: a housing containing a blood processing unit with hollow fibers, a pump unit, and a flow distribution structure. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fibers are arranged in a nested configuration where multiple layers of fibers are positioned concentrically within the housing. The flow distribution structure is nested within the blood processing unit, and the entire assembly is integrated into a compact housing, maximizing space utilization and exchange efficiency.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional oxygenator designs are used, then blood oxygenation is achieved, but the design is not compact and lightweight for mobile ECMO applications
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit and oxygenator are merged into a single integrated blood processing unit, eliminating the need for separate pump and oxygenator housings. This consolidation reduces overall device weight and volume while maintaining efficient blood flow and gas exchange functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fibers are arranged in a nested configuration where multiple layers of fibers are positioned concentrically within the housing. The flow distribution structure is nested within the blood processing unit, and the entire assembly is integrated into a compact housing, maximizing space utilization and exchange efficiency.
3Productivity
If blood flow is not properly distributed in the oxygenator, then compact design is achieved, but gas and heat exchange efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution structure incorporates a tapered proximal portion that creates varying flow characteristics at different locations within the blood processing unit. The spiral dividers are positioned at specific intervals to create localized flow patterns that optimize blood distribution across the hollow fiber surface, ensuring efficient gas and heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution structure utilizes spiral dividers that curve through the blood processing unit, creating rotational flow patterns. This curved geometry promotes uniform blood distribution across the hollow fiber bundle and enhances mass and heat transfer efficiency without requiring complex mechanical components.
4Productivity
If high blood flow rates are used for efficient oxygenation, then gas exchange efficiency is improved, but mechanical stress on blood cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral dividers in the flow distribution structure create gentle rotational flow patterns that reduce turbulence and mechanical stress on blood cells. The curved geometry of the dividers guides blood flow smoothly through the hollow fiber bundle, maintaining high flow rates for efficient oxygenation while minimizing hemolysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered proximal portion of the flow distribution structure gradually changes the flow parameters from the inlet toward the hollow fiber bundle. This gradual parameter change reduces sudden pressure drops and shear forces that could damage blood cells, while still maintaining high overall flow rates for efficient gas exchange.
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, reduces mechanical complexity, and supports compact design suitable for long-term perfusion procedures by ensuring uniform blood distribution and minimizing mechanical stress on blood cells.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygenator module to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and a gas mixture
Implementation Method 2
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 3
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
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
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.