Automatic Blood Level Regulation in the Disc Oxygenator

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The disc oxygenator has been provided with an automatic blood level control permitting only a maximal variation of ±2 mm. Through a rubber membrane in the bottom of the outlet portion of the disc oxygenator the weight of the blood column is transmitted to scale connected with an electronic regulation of the voltage to the pump motor. The heat exchanger is built in into the oxygenator by using a double-walled trough of stainless steel. The aim of this investigation has been to make the disc oxygenator easier and safer to operate and to diminish priming by including the heat exchanger. Visual inspection of the oxygenator blood level in order to balance arterial pump rate with venous return has proved to be an easy, simple and safe method in the hands of an experienced pump operator. However, continuous attention is needed. Good perfusions have been obtained in the first 500 cases with an ordinary disc oxygenator. The extra safety factor with an automatic flow control becomes more important for the more frequent change of pump technician. Therefore, a disc oxygenator has been made with an automatic blood level control and a built in heat exchanger.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: