System to optimize the transfer of gas through membranes

Abstract

A percutaneous intravenous oxygenator includes a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers formed into a plurality of loops with one end of the fiber loops being connected to a source of oxygen while the opposite end is connected to a vacuum source. The oxygenator is insertable into a blood vessel such that when oxygen is drawn into the fiber loops, it will diffuse through the walls of the fibers into oxygen deficient blood passing thereby while excess carbon dioxide in the blood will pass in a reverse or cross diffusion pattern through the walls of the fibers into the interior thereof for removal from the fiber loops by the vacuum source. Two separate embodiments for moving the fibers to prevent streaming of blood past the oxygenator are disclosed for optimal cross diffusion of the gases. In one embodiment, a rotatable blade is disclosed within the looped fibers so as to disrupt the linear flow of blood and direct it radially outwardly in convective swirling fashion to keep the fibers moving and optimally disposed for maximum gas diffusion. In the second embodiment, an electromagnet is disclosed within the loops of fibers and the fibers themselves carry a paramagnetic material so that the fibers can be selectively attracted to the rod or actively or passively repelled from the rod again to keep the fibers in motion to prevent streaming of the blood and to optimize the cross transfusion of gases.