PULM10: Development of a Miniaturized ECMO Device on a 3D-Printed Microfluidic Platform

Abstract

Background: Risks of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy can directly be attributed to large membrane areas and blood circuit volume. These are particularly problematic in neonates with low total blood volumes. To address this, we are developing a miniaturized prototype microfluidic ECMO using versatile 3D printing technologies and highly porous membranes. Hemolytic and O2 transport assessments of geometrical variants of the prototype design have been performed in vitro and in silico. Methods: 3D-printed flow paths and device housings were assembled with two types of membranes (PDMS and SiN) for O2 transport in water and bovine blood. The liquid was passed through single-channel geometrical prototypes of a microfluidic device with varying channel heights. O2 transport was studied by measuring dissolved O2 in water and SpO2 in blood. Numerical modeling was performed using ANSYS fluent. Results: 3D printing allows us to quickly design, build, and test design iterations. Per single pass of fluid, up to 20% increase of O2 levels for PDMS (in vitro and in silico) and 60% for SiN membranes (in silico) were observed. Reduced channel height and reduced flow rates positively affected O2 transport. Preliminary in vitro and in silico results suggest the SiN membranes have superior transport properties than the PDMS membrane. Flow rates up to 30 ml/min were achievable within a single device. Conclusion: In order to develop the Microfluidic ECMO, performance testing (O2 transport) had been performed and promising outcomes were observed for all experimental cases.