Gambro Cardio Ab

Sune H Palmqvist

Ingvar E Losell

Bo A Johnsson

An apparatus for the transfer of one or more substances between a gas and a liquid, for example between an oxygen-containing gas and blood, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of concentric vessels which define a flow path for the liquid, and which includes along a portion of the path an annular heat exchange chamber having a first end at which the liquid is introduced into the chamber and a second end at which the liquid is conducted from the chamber. A heat exchanger is supported in the heat exchange chamber for conducting a heat exchange fluid in heat exchange relationship with the liquid as the liquid flows through the chamber. Gas in the form of bubbles is introduced into the liquid as the liquid is conducted along the flow path to thereby effect transfer of substances between the gas and the liquid, the gas being introduced upstream of the first end of the heat exchange chamber. A plurality of throttling ports are arranged about the periphery of the annular heat exchange chamber at the second end of the chamber for conducting the liquid from the heat exchange chamber. Downstream of the second end of the heat exchange chamber, excess gas is removed from the liquid together with substances transferred from the liquid to the gas. By means of this arrangement, a very uniform and homogeneous flow around the entire periphery of the heat exchange chamber is provided, which in turn insures that a good heat transfer and gas exchange is obtained.

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Staffanstorp, Sweden

Sune H Palmqvist