Abstract

Triboelectric Charging and Dissipation Characteristics of the Maquet Quadrox-D Membrane Oxygenator

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa

Address correspondence to: Melissa Alberts, CP, BS, Duke University Hospital, Box 100161 HAFS Building, 3000 Erwin Rd., Durham, NC 27710. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 31 March 2008
Accepted: 2 February 2009

Abstract

Triboelectric charging is commonly detected during cardiopulmonary bypass in circuits using roller pumps and PVC tubing. Dissipation of this charging is needed to prevent a spontaneous discharge from occurring. We evaluated the ability of the Quadrox-D (Maquet) to effectively remove the electrostatic charge accumulation, with and without a heater/cooler connection (H/C). A Quadrox-D oxygenator was evaluated using a Stockert SIII pump head, Cincinnati subzero H/E, and a custom adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation tubing pack with 1/2′ PVC raceway. The circuit was primed and evaluated for triboelectric accumulation with and without H/C use. The results showed a linear relationship between increasing pump flow and static charge build-up when an H/C was not applied. The calculated r² value was .95. Incorporation of the H/C effectively eliminated charge accumulation. Increasing pump speed increases the amount of static charge created without the use of an H/C. Incorporation of an H/C effectively eliminates charge build-up in the Quadrox-D and is recommended while priming the circuit.