Independent control of blood gas PO2and PCO2in a bubble oxygenator

Abstract

An in-vitro circuit simulating cardiopulmonary bypass has been used to evaluate the gas transfer characteristics, gaseous microemboli production and blood damage of the Bentley-10 Plus bubble oxygenator. This oxygenator incorporates a unique integral gas controller which proportions the gas flow between the gas sparger and heat exchange area. The results of the study indicate that maintenance of a gas flow which ensures adequate CO₂ removal can be prevented from inducing over-oxygenation by the manipulation of the gas controller which variably proportions the flow of gas from the oxygenation-efficient conventional gas sparger to the less efficient heat exchange area. Independent control of P_aO₂ with maintenance of CO₂ transfer was demonstrated. Reduction in gaseous microemboli production and red blood cell damage with the use of the gas controller was demonstrated.