Importance

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Abstract

A percutaneous oxygenator has a Y-shaped tubular connector and a number of hollow, gas-permeable fibers. One end of each fiber is located in the first upper arm of the connector. The other end of each fiber is located in the other upper arm of the connector, with each fiber forming a loop extending out of the lower opening of the connector. To guide insertion of the device into a patient's vein, and to provide structural support for the fiber loops, a support member extends downward from the connector with an aperture at is distal end. Each of the fiber loops pass through this aperture. The device is inserted through a single small incision into the patient's venous system. An oxygen supply is attached to one of the upper arms of the connector and flows through the length of the fiber loops. Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across the fiber walls between the blood and the interior of the fiber tubes. In one alternative embodiment, a tip having an interior cavity is secured to the lower end of the support member. Each of the fiber loops is bisected and in fluid communication with the mixing chamber provided by the interior cavity of the tip. In another alternative embodiment, the support member is a hollow tube. Oxygen is supplied through the support member into the mixing chamber inside the tip, and returns to the connector through both arms of the fiber loops.

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First Claim