Development of a Membrane Oxygenator using Small Diameter Silicone Hollow Fiber

Abstract

A membrane oxygenator is commonly used open–heart surgery. In recent year, it is increasingly used as respiratory support to patients with severe respiratory, cardiac or combined cardiopulmonary failure. This respiratory support takes range from several days to several weeks, so the membrane oxygenator require long–term safety and long–term durability. Therefore, we are developing a silicone small–diameter hollow fiber and an artificial lung using it. This membrane has high permeability and no plasma leak, so this membrane oxygenator is considered applicable to long-term lung support.