Original Article

Multi-Center Trial with a Modified Design of the Sarns Membrane Oxygenator

¹ Sarns/3M Health Care, Ann Arbor, Michigan
² Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, Michigan
³ St. joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan

^* Address correspondence to: Mark Bearss, CCP 6200 jackson Road Ann Arbor, M/48703

Abstract

A redesigned hollow fiber bundle was incorporated into an existing oxygenator that underwent clinical trials at seven cardiovascular surgery centers. Clinical investigators were asked to assess gas transfer performance under clinical conditions that could be considered challenging to any microporous membrane oxygenator, i.e., with large body weight patients, long bypass times, or normothermic bypass and surgery. Sixty-six patients, ranging in weight from 54.5 kg to 143 kg, constituted the initial evaluation population. Enhanced oxygen transfer was noted by all of the investigators. FiO₂ requirements for patients weighing 100 kg or more never exceeded .85, despite oxygen consumption levels reaching as high as 396. mL/min. Two centers documented a 15% to 18% reduction in FiO₂ requirements compared to their standard oxygenator.