In vitro testing of an intravenous membrane oxygenator (IMO) consisting of hollow fiber membranes arranged around a centrally positioned balloon is reported. A total of six IMO prototypes were mounted in a specially designed mock circulatory loop and perfused with physiologic saline or fresh abattoir ox blood to investigate their oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer capabilities. One IMO prototype was mounted in the flow loop and perfused with saline for 13 continuous days to test the durability and reliability of the prototype design. It is the authors' hypothesis that the rhythmic inflation and deflation of the balloon increases convective mixing and cross-flow of blood around the fibers, thereby enhancing gas exchange capabilities. The results of these trials support this contention, namely that gas exchange efficiency rose with increasing frequency of balloon pulsation. No significant deterioration in oxygen transfer was observed in the durability test prototype, which was continuously perfused with saline for 13 days.

Carbon Dioxide↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A pediatric flexible fiberoptic endoscope.

Clinical experience with a flexible fiberoptic endoscope constructed for children is described. The endoscope fits through a 3.5 mm endotracheal tube without removing the tube adaptor. The endoscope was used on artificially ventilated newborns and infants for determining the position of the endotracheal tube, the integrity of the tracheal mucosal wall, and possible obstruction of the endotracheal tube. Visualization of the interior of the tube and the airways can be performed without moving the infant from the incubator. The instrument aids in the management of children requiring prolonged respiratory support. The most common lesion detected was trauma to the tracheal mucosal wall by the suction catheter.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

High frequency percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation.

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Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Respiratory dialysis. A new concept in pulmonary support.

Use of a new intravenous oxygenator made of hollow fiber membranes arranged around a centrally positioned balloon is reported. In vitro studies using fluorescent image tracking velocimetry and gas exchange analysis demonstrated enhanced convective mixing with balloon pulsations and augmented gas flux (100% increase in pO2) compared with the device in its static configuration. In vivo observations confirmed a greater than 50% increase in O2 flux with balloon activation. Those parameters that produce radial flow and convective mixing in vitro enhance gas flux in vivo, thus confirming the efforts to exceed the fluid limit translate into improved gas exchange.

Animals↗