HEMOLYTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CLINICALLY ACCEPTED OXYGENATORS DURING ECMO

Abstract

Specific aim; A connection was previously reported between the hemolytic characteristics associated with oxygenators and the pressure drop measurements in the blood chamber under experimental conditions simulating their use in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). At this time, we examined this association during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) condition. Method; Three oxygenators for ECMO or pediatric CPB (Menox EL4000®, Dideco Module 4000®, and Mera HPO-15H®) were evaluated. Fresh blood from healthy Dexter strain calves anti-coagulated with citrate phosphate dextrose adenine solution was used. The blood flow was fixed at 1 L/min similar to ECMO. The Normalized Index of Hemolysis for Oxygenators (NIHO) has been modified according to the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards as we previously reported. Result; The NIHO value was the lowest in the Menox (0.0070 ± 0.0009) and increased from Menox <Dideco (0.0113 ± 0.0099) <Mera (0.0164 ± 0.0043); however, there were no significant differences among the oxygenators. This NIHO value has a close correlation to the pressure drop. Conclusion; This evaluation method is also applicable to compare the biocompatibility performance of different types of clinically available oxygenators for ECMO usage.