The oxygenator is main element of the heart-lung machine, which takes over the work of the lungs (adding oxygen to and removing carbon dioxide from the blood). Inside the oxygenator, blood is gently channelled along capillary membranes. The inner lumen of the fibres is streamed with oxygen or oxygen enriched air. Oxygen diffuses through the microporous membrane into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses out of the blood into the gas stream and is thereby removed.
Most oxygenators provide a heat exchanger in order to maintain the correct temperature of the patient’s blood. The oxygenated blood is channelled back to the patient.
Most oxygenators provide a heat exchanger in order to maintain the correct temperature of the patient’s blood. The oxygenated blood is channelled back to the patient.
