DESIGN OF AN OXYGENATOR WITH ENHANCED GAS TRANSFER EFFICIENCY

Membrane oxygenator designs were examined with particular attention to the influence of radial and axial flow around windings of microporous polypropylene hollow fibers. Oxygen transfer performance was calculat ed, employing the Mockros-Leonard modified heat transfer analysis and Curtis-Eberhart normalization methods. Flow through an Avecor Affinity oxygenator was imaged by gamma scintigraphy using a bolus injection o f Tc-99m-DTPA. Experimental mass transfer correlations were developed for this oxygenator using saline. The oxygen exchange of the Avecor Af finity was slightly less than that for the Medtronic Maxima or COBE Op tima models, which are based on similar designs.