OXYGEN-EXCHANGE IN SILICONE-RUBBER CAPILLARIES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 2  (3-4) , 195-204
Abstract
Capillaries of 7 and 12.5 .mu. diameter were fabricated in silicone rubber. Whole blood treated with heparin was perfused through these capillaries. Under flowing conditions, no clotting or other clumping effects were observed and red cells appear to maintain constant velocity. O2 transfer data to and from saline perfusing the 12.5 .mu. diameter capillaries was obtained to determine how rapidly O2 will permeate the silicone rubber film. The capillaries simulate lung tissue O2 exchange and will allow for the first time the experimental determination of O2 exchange kinetics in flowing whole blood.