Abstract
Clinical observation of condensation at the gas flow exit of blood oxygenators is a recurrent event during cardiopulmonary bypass. These devices consist of a bundle of hollow fibers made of a microporous membrane that allows the exchange of O2 and CO2. The fibers carry a gas mixture inside (intraluminal flow), while blood flows externally around them (extraluminal flow). Although different studies described this effect in the past, the specific role of the different sections of the device requires further analysis, and the total condensation rate remains unquantified. In this study, a closer look is taken at the transition of gas between the oxygenation bundle and the external room air. A method is proposed to estimate the total condensate output, combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of thermal distribution and a simplified 1D model of water vapor saturation of gas. The influence of a number of different parameters is analyzed, regarding material properties, environmental conditions, and clinical use. Results show that condensation rate could vary in a 30‐fold range within reasonably small variations of the different variables considered.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
