Hollow fiber treatment apparatus and membrane oxygenator

Abstract

A hollow fiber membrane fluid treatment apparatus for the transfer of mass or energy through the membrane is disclosed. It is designed particularly, but not only, for use in membrane oxygenators. Hollow fiber membranes extend substantially longitudinally, first inert fibers are spaced between them and also extend substantially longitudinally. Second inert fibers extend generally transverse to the hollow fibers and generally contiguous therewith, so that a first fluid (preferably an oxygen-containing gas) can pass through the hollow fibers and a second fluid (preferably blood) can be passed over their exterior for mass or energy transfer through the membrane. Usually the second inert fibers form a weft and the first inert fibers are spaced one between each two hollow fibers so that the warp consists of alternating strands of hollow fiber and first inert fiber passing over the weft in an oscillating fashion to define at least in part the size of the fluid film to be passed over the hollow fiber membrane for mass or energy transfer through the membrane. The inert fibers are usually biocompatible monofilament polymers which provide precise spacing of the hollow fibers to produce even blood films. Usually, the apparatus is disposed in a blood passageway of a membrane oxygenator, and layered in ribbons sized to fit the blood channel with the first inert fibers spacing the hollow fibers so that the hollow fibers are offset with respect to each other from layer to layer.