Experimental and Clinical Studies of a Miniaturized Disc Oxygenator for Infants

¹ Chief, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Buffalo Children's Hospital; Associate Professor of Surgery, State University of New York at Buffalo

1. A miniaturized disc oxygenator has been manufactured and studied physiologically. The priming volume of this circuit is 1200 ml. This includes the filling of all tubes, as well as the transfusion reservoir allowing one to complete an operative procedure.

2. In vitro studies were made to determine the oxygenating capacity of the miniaturized disc. These studies were then confirmed during experimental perfusions in mongrel dogs.

3. The capacity of the oxygenator to exchange gas adequately was confirmed by studies performed during clinical perfusions, on patients weighing from 3.7 to 10.8 kg. The physiologic data obtained during these perfusions is presented. The studies would indicate that the miniature disc will add 0.5 ml. of oxygen per minute at an rpm. of 120. The disc will also efficiently exchange carbon dioxide.

4. These physiologic studies reported are essential to allow one to assemble an appropriate size oxygenator for clinical perfusions in small infants.