Minntech Corporation

Paul H Hess

Louis C Cosentino

Richard P Goldhaber

John E Briddon

A method is provided for priming a hollow fiber oxygenator which is integrated with a hollow tube heat exchanger. A closed priming circuit is created between a cardiosurgery reservoir, the combined hollow fiber oxygenator and heat exchanger and a vacuum source. Vacuum pressure is applied to the closed priming circuit to evacuate the residual air from the circuit. Priming solution is released from the cardiosurgery reservoir and fills the evacuated closed priming circuit.

Method for priming a hollow fiber oxygenator

A soft shell reservoir bag is provided as a storage reservoir for blood in a bypass extracorporeal circuit during open heart surgery. The reservoir bag is constructed to allow for the easy venting of air and to prevent the accidental delivery of air to patient. Blood enters the reservoir through the inlet port, passes through the microscreen and exits through the outlet port to a pump which feeds an oxygenator. The shape of the bag and component disposition give the bag its main advantages. The inlet port is positioned above the outlet port which puts a larger volume above the outlet port which promotes mixing and no vortex. Also the shape above the outlet port gives the bag a low hold-up volume and lower resistance to keep the bag open. The shape also promotes low venous resistance.

Growing community of inventors

Plymouth, MN, United States of America

Paul H Hess