JP2013063121A - Blood processing unit with changed flow path - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a blood processing unit with a changed flow path.SOLUTION: The blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and/or the gas exchanger may be configured to provide a blood flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger with a radial component. The heat exchanger may be configured to cause the blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications
[0001] This application claims priority under European Patent Application EP 101734336.6, filed on August 19, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety under US Patent Act 119.

  [0002] The present disclosure relates generally to blood processing units used in blood perfusion systems.

  [0003] Blood perfusion involves sending blood through the body's blood vessels. For this purpose, blood perfusion systems typically involve the use of one or more pumps in an extracorporeal circuit that is interconnected to the patient's vasculature. Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery typically requires a perfusion system that provides cardiac pauses to create a stationary surgical area by substituting heart and lung function. Such separation allows surgical correction of vascular stenosis, valve abnormalities, and congenital heart defects. In perfusion systems used for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, an extracorporeal blood circulation circuit is established that includes at least one pump and oxygenator to replace heart and lung function.

  [0004] More specifically, in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, low oxygen blood (ie, venous blood) is drained by gravity or vacuum inhalation from large veins entering the heart or other veins in the body (eg, femoral side) And moved through the venous line of the extracorporeal circuit. Venous blood is pumped to an oxygenator that provides oxygen transmission to the blood. Oxygen can be introduced into the blood by movement through the membrane or, less frequently, by foaming oxygen in the blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide is removed through the membrane. Oxygenated blood is filtered and then returned via the arterial line to the aorta, femoral artery or other artery.

  [0005] Example 1 is a blood processing apparatus that includes a housing having a blood inlet and a blood outlet, where the blood inlet extends into the interior of the housing. A heat exchanger core is coaxially disposed within the housing, the heat exchanger core being in fluid communication with the blood inlet, an outer surface configured to provide a radial blood flow component, and the blood inlet And a core opening configured to allow blood to pass to the outside of the heat exchanger core. The heat exchanger hollow fibers are connected to the heat exchanger core so that the heat exchanger fluid flows through the heat exchanger hollow fibers and the blood through the core opening can flow across the heat exchanger hollow fibers. It is arranged around. A cylindrical skin extends coaxially around the heat exchanger core and the cylindrical skin is near the end of the cylindrical skin facing the near end where the core opening is located. An annular skin opening is disposed, the annular skin opening being configured to allow blood to pass outside the cylindrical skin. The gas exchanger hollow fiber surrounds the cylindrical skin so that gas can flow through the gas exchanger hollow fiber and blood passing through the ring-shaped skin opening can flow across the gas exchanger hollow fiber. It is arranged.

  [0006] Example 2 illustrates one or more radial arrangements in which the outer surface of the heat exchanger core is configured to provide a radial component to the flow of blood across the hollow fibers of the heat exchanger. It is the blood processing apparatus of Example 1 containing the core rod material provided.

  [0007] Example 3 is the blood treatment device of Example 1 or Example 2 wherein the cylindrical outer plate includes an inner surface on which one or more radially arranged outer shells are disposed; One or more radially disposed skins are configured to provide a radial component to the blood flow trajectory across the hollow fibers of the heat exchanger.

  [0008] Example 4 is the blood treatment apparatus of Examples 1-3, wherein the heat exchanger core includes a conical deflecting surface disposed between the blood inlet and the core opening. Provides a radial component to the blood flow trajectory exiting the core opening.

  [0009] Example 5 is the blood treatment apparatus of Examples 1-4, wherein the housing includes an inner surface on which one or more radially disposed housing collars are disposed. The plurality of radially arranged casing casings are configured to give a radial component to the blood flow trajectory across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger.

  [0010] Example 6 is the blood treatment apparatus of Example 1, wherein the core opening includes a pair of core openings disposed approximately 180 degrees apart, and the ring-shaped outer plate opening includes the hollow fiber of the heat exchanger. In order to change the trajectory of the blood flowing across, it includes a pair of outer plate openings disposed about 180 degrees apart and radially displaced from the pair of core openings.

[0011] Example 7 is the blood treatment device of any of Examples 1-6, further comprising a first end cap secured to the housing, wherein the blood inlet is integrally formed with the first end cap. The
[0012] Example 8 is the blood processing apparatus of Example 7, further including a gas inlet integrally formed with the first end cap, wherein the gas inlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger. Yes.

  [0013] Example 9 is the blood treatment device of any of Examples 1-8, further comprising a second end cap secured to the housing, wherein the second end cap is integral with the second end cap. A heat exchanger fluid inlet formed in the second end cap and a heat exchanger fluid outlet integrally formed with the second end cap, wherein the heat exchanger fluid inlet and the heat exchanger fluid outlet are hollow in the heat exchanger. Each is in fluid communication with the interior of the yarn.

[0014] Example 10 is the blood treatment apparatus of Example 9, further including a gas outlet integrally formed with the second end cap, wherein the gas outlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger. Yes.
[0015] Example 11 is a blood processing apparatus that includes a housing having a blood inlet and a blood outlet, the blood inlet extending into the interior of the housing. A heat exchanger core is disposed in the housing in operative communication with the blood inlet, the heat exchanger core being in fluid communication with the outer surface and the blood inlet and from the blood inlet to the heat exchanger core. And a core opening configured to allow blood to pass outside. The heat exchanger hollow fibers are around the heat exchanger core so that the heat exchanger fluid flows through the heat exchanger hollow fibers and the blood through the core opening can flow across the heat exchanger hollow fibers. It is arranged. The heat exchanger core includes one or more radially disposed rods configured to provide a radial component to the blood flow across the hollow fibers of the heat exchanger. A cylindrical skin extends coaxially around the heat exchanger core, and the cylindrical skin is near the end of the cylindrical skin facing the near end where the core opening is located. An annular skin opening is disposed, and the annular skin opening is configured to allow blood to pass outside the cylindrical skin. The gas exchanger hollow fiber is connected to the cylindrical shell so that the gas flows through the gas exchanger hollow fiber and the blood passing through the annular shell opening can flow across the gas exchanger hollow fiber. It is arranged around. One or more brazing materials are disposed radially on the outer surface of the cylindrical outer plate, and the one or more radially disposed brazing materials are blood that crosses the hollow fibers of the gas exchanger. It is comprised so that a radial component may be given with respect to the flow of this.

  [0016] Example 12 is the blood treatment apparatus of Example 11 wherein the cylindrical outer plate includes an inner surface on which one or more radially arranged outer shells are disposed. The plurality of radially outer shells are configured to give a radial component to the blood flow trajectory across the hollow fiber of the heat exchanger.

  [0017] Example 13 is the blood treatment apparatus of Example 11 or Example 12, wherein the heat exchanger core includes a conical deflecting surface disposed between the blood inlet and the core opening, the conical deflecting surface Provides a radial component to the blood flow trajectory exiting the core opening.

  [0018] Example 14 is the blood treatment device of any of Examples 11-13, wherein the housing includes an inner surface on which one or more radially disposed housing collars are disposed. One or more radially disposed housing collars are configured to impart a radial component to the blood flow trajectory across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger.

  [0019] Example 15 is arranged on the inner surface of a cylindrical skin and is configured to provide a radial component to the trajectory of blood flow across the hollow fiber of the heat exchanger or The blood processing apparatus according to any one of Examples 11 to 14, further including a plurality of radial members arranged in the radial direction.

  [0020] Example 16 includes one or more diameters disposed on the inner surface of the housing and configured to provide a radial component to a blood flow trajectory across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger. It is the blood processing apparatus in any one of Examples 11-15 which further contains the brazing material arrange | positioned in the direction.

  [0021] Example 17 is a blood treatment apparatus that includes a housing having a blood inlet extending into the interior of the housing and a blood outlet. A heat exchanger core extends coaxially within the housing and is axially aligned with the blood inlet. The heat exchanger core includes a pair of core openings arranged about 180 degrees apart and configured to allow blood to pass from the blood inlet to the exterior of the heat exchanger core. The heat exchanger hollow fibers are around the heat exchanger core so that the heat exchanger fluid flows through the heat exchanger hollow fibers and the blood through the core opening can flow across the heat exchanger hollow fibers. It is arranged. A pair of cores with a cylindrical outer plate extending coaxially around the heat exchanger core and spaced approximately 180 degrees apart to cause a spiral blood flow through the hollow fibers of the heat exchanger It includes a pair of outer plate openings that are radially displaced from the openings. The blood treatment device is arranged around a cylindrical skin so that gas can flow through the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger and blood through the annular skin opening can flow across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger. Including a hollow fiber of the gas exchanger to be disposed;

[0022] Example 18 is the blood treatment of Example 17, wherein the pair of skin openings are disposed near the end of the cylindrical skin facing the end near where the pair of core openings are disposed. Device.
[0023] Example 19 is the blood treatment device of Example 17 or 18, wherein at least one of the heat exchanger hollow fiber and the gas exchanger hollow fiber is made from a polymeric material.

  [0024] While multiple embodiments have been disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which illustrates and describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. I will. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a blood processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. [0026] FIG. 4 is a first end cap according to an embodiment of the invention. [0027] FIG. 6 is a second end cap according to an embodiment of the invention. [0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger core according to one embodiment of the invention. [0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cylindrical skin forming a partition wall between a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0030] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical skin of FIG. 5A. [0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger core of FIG. 4 disposed within the cylindrical skin of FIG. [0032] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the blood treatment apparatus of FIG. [0033] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a blood processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0034] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a blood processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blood processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0036] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing blood flow paths of the blood processing apparatus of FIG.

  [0037] The present disclosure relates to a blood processing apparatus (commonly referred to as an oxygenator) that includes one or more heat exchangers and gas exchangers in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, the term oxygenator may be used to refer to an integrated structure that combines a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger into a single device. In various embodiments, for example, heat exchangers and gas exchangers are arranged in a co-centric manner with one component in the other component. According to another embodiment, the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger are structurally separate structures that are operably connected to each other. In some embodiments, the oxygenator can be used in an extracorporeal blood circulation circuit. An extracorporeal blood circuit, such as may be used for a bypass procedure, may include several different elements such as a heart-lung machine, a blood reservoir, and an oxygenator.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a blood treatment device or oxygenator 10. Although the internal components are not visible in this view, the oxygenator 10 may include one or more heat exchangers and gas exchangers. According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger and gas exchanger are integrated into a single structure that forms the housing of the oxygenator. The oxygenator 10 includes a housing 12, a first end cap 14 fixed to the housing 12, and a second end cap 16 fixed to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the housing 12 may include other structures that allow the housing 12 to be attached to other devices. Although the housing 12 is shown as having a predominantly cylindrical shape, in some embodiments, the housing 12 may have a rectangular or other parallelogram cross-sectional shape. Each of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may have approximately the same cross-sectional shape, or each may have a different cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger can be in a gas exchanger, while in other embodiments, the gas exchanger can be placed in a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger can be coaxial.

  [0039] In some embodiments, blood inlet 18 extends into housing 12 and blood outlet 20 exits housing 12. As described above, in some embodiments, the blood processing apparatus 10 includes a gas exchanger and thus may include a gas inlet 22 and a gas outlet 24. In some embodiments, the blood treatment apparatus 10 includes a heat exchanger, and thus a heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 and a heat exchanger fluid outlet 28 behind the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 (in the orientation shown). including. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 may be disposed at one end of the housing 12, while the heat exchanger fluid outlet 28 may be disposed at the opposite end of the housing 12. In some embodiments, the blood processing apparatus 10 can include a purge port 30 that can be used to remove air bubbles from the interior of the blood processing apparatus 10.

  [0040] The locations of the inlet, outlet, and purge port are merely examples, and other arrangements and configurations are contemplated. The purge port may include a valve or a threaded cap. The purge port serves to exhale or exhale gas (eg, air bubbles) exiting the blood and remove it from the blood processing apparatus 10.

  [0041] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a first end cap 14 and a second end cap 16, respectively. The first end cap 14 and the second end cap 16 are each configured to be fixed to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the first end cap 14 and / or the second end cap 16 may be glued and secured in place. In some embodiments, the first end cap 14 and / or the second end cap 16 can be matingly attached in place, or can be further screwed to respective ends of the housing 12. obtain.

  [0042] In some embodiments, the blood inlet 18 and / or the gas inlet 22 may be integrally formed with the first end cap 14, as shown in FIG. For example, in some cases, the first end cap 14 may be injection molded and the blood inlet 18 and / or the gas inlet 22 formed as part of the injection molded portion. In some embodiments, the first end cap 14 can be formed with an opening to which the blood inlet 18 and / or the gas inlet 22 can be attached. The first end cap 14 is disposed around the first end cap 14 and in some embodiments includes an annular ring 32 that serves as an attachment point for securing the first end cap 14 to the housing 12. . In some embodiments, the first end cap 14 also includes an annular ring 34 that positions a portion of the heat exchanger, as described below.

  [0043] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 and / or the heat exchanger fluid outlet 28 may be integrally formed with the second end cap 16. For example, in some cases, the second end cap 16 may be injection molded and the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 and / or the heat exchanger fluid outlet 28 formed as part of the injection molded portion. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second end cap 16 can be injection molded and the gas outlet 24 can be formed as part of the injection molded portion. However, in some embodiments, the second end cap 16 has an opening to which one or more of the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26, the heat exchanger fluid outlet 28 and / or the gas outlet 24 can be attached. Can be formed. The second end cap 16 includes an annular ring 36 that is disposed around the second end cap 16 and in some embodiments serves as an attachment point that secures the second end cap 16 to the housing 12. . In some embodiments, the second end cap 16 also includes an annular ring 38 that positions a portion of the heat exchanger, as described below.

  [0044] In some embodiments, one of the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 and the heat exchanger fluid outlet 28 is disposed in the first end cap 14, and the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 and the heat exchanger fluid The other of the outlets 28 may be disposed on the second end cap 16. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 and outlet 28 may be disposed on the first end cap 14. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger fluid inlet 26 and outlet 28 may be disposed on the second end cap 16.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger core 40 having a first end 42 and a second end 44. In some embodiments, as shown with respect to the following figures, the heat exchanger core 40 has a first end 42 near the first end cap 14 and a second end 44 at the second end cap. 16 may be disposed in the blood processing apparatus 10 so as to be close to 16. The heat exchanger core 40 includes an annular portion 46 that assists in placing the first end 42 relative to the first end cap 14 in some embodiments. Similarly, the second end 44 can be configured to help position the second end 44 relative to the second end cap 16.

  [0046] The heat exchanger core 40 includes a conical deflecting surface 48 on which blood coming from the blood inlet 18 impinges. The conical deflecting surface 48 deflects blood in the radial direction. In some embodiments, the conical deflecting surface 48 may include a divider 50 that helps direct blood in a particular direction. The heat exchanger core 40 includes an outer surface 52. The core opening 54 is formed in the outer surface 52 so that blood impinging on the conical deflecting surface 48 is deflected radially outward in the core opening 54. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger core 40 is one, two, three, four, or any desired number of radially spaced around the heat exchanger core 40. There may be a core opening 54.

  [0047] In some embodiments, as shown, the heat exchanger core 40 includes a core brace material (in other words, ribs) 56 disposed in a first radial direction and a second radial direction. It includes a core brace 58 that is disposed. In some embodiments, core collars (or protrusions) 56 and 58 deflect blood away from outer surface 52 in a radially outward direction. Core saddles 56 and 58 are designed to provide a radial component to the blood flow trajectory. Although two core braces 56 and 58 are shown, in some cases the heat exchanger core 40 may include a greater number of core brazes. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger core 40 also includes a longitudinally extending braze 60 that can serve to promote a longitudinal flow path along the outside of the heat exchanger core 40. May be included. According to various embodiments, the brazing materials 56 and 58 extend circumferentially around or substantially around the outer surface of the heat exchanger core 40.

  [0048] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a cylindrical skin 62 (in other words, a shell) 62 that may be disposed within the housing 12 and disposed coaxially with the heat exchanger core 40 (see FIG. 6). It is. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical outer plate 62. The cylindrical outer plate 62 includes a first end portion 64 and a second end portion 66. In some embodiments, the cylindrical skin 62 is such that the first end 64 is near the first end cap 14 and the second end 66 is near the second end cap 16. It can be disposed in the housing 12.

  [0049] Cylindrical skin 62 includes an outer surface 68. The outer plate opening 70 is within the outer surface 68 so that blood flowing between the outer surface 52 of the heat exchanger core 40 and the inner surface 72 of the cylindrical outer plate 62 can exit the cylindrical outer plate 62. Formed. In some embodiments, the inner surface 72 of the cylindrical skin 62 can include one or more skins 80 that protrude from the inner surface 72 and extend toward the heat exchanger core 40. One or more outer skins 80 deflect the blood away from the inner surface 72 in a radially inward direction. In some embodiments, one or more skin braces 80 are combined with the core braces 56 and 58 to interrupt longitudinal blood flow and pass through the heat exchanger, i.e. heat The blood flow between the outer surface 52 of the exchanger core 40 and the inner surface 72 of the cylindrical outer plate 62 imparts a radial flow component. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger core 40 may also serve to promote a longitudinal flow path between the heat exchanger core 40 and the cylindrical skin 62. A brazing material 75 extending in the length direction may be included.

  [0050] In some embodiments, the cylindrical skin 62 is one, two, three, four, five, spaced radially around the cylindrical skin 62. One, six, or any desired number of skin openings 70 may be provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the core opening 54 and the outer plate opening 70 are generally disposed at opposite ends of the blood processing apparatus 10. Thus, blood entering the volume between the outer surface 52 of the heat exchanger core 40 and the inner surface 72 of the cylindrical outer plate 62 will at least substantially extend its entire length before exiting the cylindrical outer plate 62. Forced to flow.

  [0051] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the blood treatment apparatus 10, showing a coaxial configuration between the housing 12, the heat exchanger core 40, and the cylindrical skin 62. As shown in FIG. In some embodiments, the blood processing apparatus 10 includes a heat exchanger element 74 that is schematically illustrated as well as a gas exchanger element 76 that is schematically illustrated.

  [0052] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger element 74 includes a number of hollow fibers through which a heated fluid, such as water, can flow. Blood can flow around the hollow fiber and beyond the hollow fiber, thereby heating appropriately. In some embodiments, the hollow fiber can be a polymer. In some cases, metal fibers can be used. According to other embodiments, the heat exchanger element 74 may alternatively include a metal bellows that facilitates heat transfer with blood, or other structures (eg, fins) having a significant surface area. In some embodiments, the hollow fiber can be formed from polyurethane, polyester, or any other suitable polymer or plastic material. According to various embodiments, the hollow fiber has an outer diameter between about 0.2 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters, or more specifically between about 0.25 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters. The hollow fibers can be woven, for example, into a mat that can range in width from about 80 millimeters to about 200 millimeters. In some embodiments, the mat is arranged in a cross shape.

  [0053] In some embodiments, gas exchanger element 76 may include a plurality of microporous hollow fibers through which a gas, such as oxygen, can flow. Blood can flow around the hollow fiber and beyond the hollow fiber. Due to the concentration gradient, oxygen diffuses through the microporous hollow fiber into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses into the hollow fiber and exits the blood. In some embodiments, the hollow fiber is made from polypropylene, polyester, or any other suitable polymer or plastic material. According to various embodiments, the hollow fiber has an outer diameter of about 0.38 millimeters. According to other embodiments, the microporous hollow fiber has a diameter of between about 0.2 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters, more specifically between about 0.25 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters. The hollow fibers can be woven, for example, into a mat that can range in width from about 80 millimeters to about 200 millimeters. In some embodiments, the mat is in the form of a cross.

  [0054] As shown in FIG. 8, the blood that enters the blood treatment device 10 through the blood inlet 18 is such that the blood flows over the hollow fibers in the heat exchanger element 74 and around the hollow fibers. It is directed radially through the opening 54. At least some of the blood flow impinges on the inner surface 72 of the cylindrical outer plate 62 and is returned radially toward the outer surface 52 of the heat exchanger core 40. Thus, at least some of the blood flow is directed radially outward by the core collars 56 and 58. The blood continues to come and go in the radial direction until it reaches the outer plate opening 70 and enters the space between the cylindrical outer plate 62 and the housing 12. In some embodiments, improved heat transfer may be achieved by combining radial and longitudinal flow through the heat exchanger element 74. The blood exiting the skin opening 70 flows over the gas exchanger element 76 over the gas exchanger element 76 and finally exits the blood processing apparatus 10 through the blood outlet 20.

  [0055] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of blood processing apparatus 10 showing the relative orientation of the elements described above. As shown, the heat exchanger core is centrally disposed and the heat exchanger element 74 is coaxially disposed about the heat exchanger core 40. A cylindrical skin 62 is disposed coaxially around the heat exchanger element 74 followed by the gas exchanger element 76 and the housing 12. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger core 40 may have core collars 56 and 58 that are configured to provide a radial component to the blood flow trajectory across the heat exchanger element 74. . In some embodiments, the cylindrical skin 62 is disposed in one or more radially configured to provide a radial component to the blood flow trajectory across the heat exchanger element 74. It may have an outer skin member 80 provided.

  [0056] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a blood treatment apparatus 90 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Blood processing apparatus 90 is similar to blood processing apparatus 10 but includes a modified gas exchanger portion. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing 12 is configured to provide a radial component to the blood flow trajectory through the gas exchanger element 76 and across the gas exchanger element 76. Alternatively, a plurality of housing casings 92 are included. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the cylindrical skin 62 is configured to provide a radial component for the blood flow trajectory through the gas exchanger element 76 and across the gas exchanger element 76. One or more skins 94. In some embodiments, improved gas transfer may be achieved by combining radial and longitudinal flow through the gas exchanger element 76.

  [0057] In some embodiments, the brazing material, such as the core brazing members 56 and 58, the skin brazing member 80, and / or the housing brazing member 92, is between the surface on which they extend and the opposite surface. Extending from about 10 percent to about 70 percent of the distance. In some embodiments, the brazing material may extend from about 25 percent to about 50 percent of the aforementioned distance. To illustrate, the core bracings 56 and 58 extend from about 10 percent to about 70 percent, or from about 25 percent to about 50 percent of the distance between the heat exchanger core 40 and the cylindrical skin 62. Can exist. In some embodiments, the brazing material may form an angle with a surface extending therefrom that ranges from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the brazing material may form an angle of about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the brazing material may have a height that is in the range of about 0.2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters and a width that is in the range of about 0.5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

  [0058] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of blood processing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. Blood treatment apparatus 100 is similar to that described above, but the blood flow through the heat exchanger has a helical component. The blood processing apparatus 100 has a heat exchanger core 102 that includes one or more core openings 104. The blood passes through one or more core openings 104 and enters a heat exchanger element 106 that can include several hollow fibers as described above. The blood exits heat exchanger element 106 through one or more skin openings 108 and then passes longitudinally through gas exchanger element 112 before exiting through blood outlet 20. .

  [0059] As shown in FIG. 10, the core opening 104 and skin are such that blood entering the heat exchanger element 106 passes through the length of the heat exchanger element 106 before exiting to the gas exchanger element 112. The openings 108 are spaced apart in the length direction. The core opening 104 and the outer plate opening 108 are spaced from each other in the radial direction. As shown schematically in FIG. 11, for example, the core openings 104 may be spaced approximately 180 degrees from each other. The skin openings 108 are also spaced about 180 degrees apart from each other and may be further radially displaced from the core openings 104 by about 180 degrees. As a result, blood passing through the heat exchanger element 106 passes through a helical flow path in and around the hollow fibers in the heat exchanger element 106.

  [0060] Various modifications and additions may be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of the invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the features described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Blood processing apparatus 12 Housing | casing 14 1st end cap 16 2nd end cap 18 Blood inlet 20 Blood outlet 22 Gas inlet 24 Gas outlet 26 Heat exchanger fluid inlet 28 Heat exchanger fluid outlet 32 Annular ring 34 Annular Ring 36 Annular ring 40 Heat exchanger core 42 First end 44 Second end 46 Annular portion 48 Conical deflection surface 50 Partition plate 52 Outer surface 54 Core opening 56 Arranged in the first radial direction Core rod material 58 Core rod material arranged in the second radial direction 60 Rod material extending in the length direction 62 Cylindrical outer plate 64 First end portion 66 Second end portion 68 Outer surface 70 Outer plate opening 72 Inner Surface 74 Heat Exchanger Element 76 Gas Exchanger Element 80 Outer Plate Material 90 Blood Treatment Device 92 Housing Case 94 Outer Plate Material 100 Blood Treatment Device 102 Heat Exchanger Core 104 Core Opening 10 The heat exchanger element 108 outer plate aperture 112 gas exchanger element

Claims (19)

A housing having a blood inlet and a blood outlet, wherein the blood inlet extends into the housing;
A heat exchanger core disposed coaxially within the housing, wherein the heat exchanger core is in fluid communication with an outer surface configured to provide a radial blood flow component and the blood inlet; A heat exchanger core comprising a core opening configured to allow blood to pass outside the heat exchanger core;
Arranged around the heat exchanger core such that heat exchanger fluid can flow through the heat exchanger hollow fiber and blood from the core opening can flow across the heat exchanger hollow fiber. A heat exchanger hollow fiber,
A cylindrical skin extending coaxially around the heat exchanger core and disposed near the end of the cylindrical skin facing the near end where the core opening is located A cylindrical skin, wherein the annular skin opening is configured to allow blood to pass outside the cylindrical skin;
Arranged around the cylindrical skin so that gas can flow through the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger and blood from the annular skin opening can flow across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger. A blood processing apparatus comprising a hollow fiber of a gas exchanger.   One or more radially disposed cores wherein the outer surface of the heat exchanger core is configured to provide a radial component to the flow of blood across the hollow fibers of the heat exchanger The blood processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a bran material.   The cylindrical outer plate includes an inner surface on which one or more radially arranged outer plate members are disposed, and the one or more radially outer plate members are disposed. The blood processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blood processing apparatus is configured to provide a radial component to a trajectory of blood flow across the hollow fiber of the heat exchanger.   The heat exchanger core includes a conical deflecting surface disposed between the blood inlet and the core opening, the conical deflecting surface against a blood flow trajectory exiting the core opening. The blood processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a radial component is provided.   The housing includes an inner surface on which one or a plurality of radially disposed casing casings are disposed, and the one or more radially disposed casing casings are The blood processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blood processing apparatus is configured to give a radial component to a trajectory of blood flow across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger.   The core opening comprises a pair of core openings spaced about 180 degrees apart, and the ring-shaped skin opening changes the trajectory of blood flow across the hollow fiber of the heat exchanger The blood processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of outer plate openings that are spaced apart from each other by about 180 degrees and are radially displaced from the pair of core openings.   The blood processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first end cap fixed to the housing, wherein the blood inlet is formed integrally with the first end cap.   The blood processing apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a gas inlet integrally formed with the first end cap, wherein the gas inlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger.   A heat exchanger fluid inlet formed integrally with the second end cap; and a second end cap fixed to the housing. And a heat exchanger fluid outlet integrally formed with the heat exchanger fluid inlet and the heat exchanger fluid outlet, respectively, in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow fiber of the heat exchanger. The blood processing apparatus according to 1.   The blood processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a gas outlet integrally formed with the second end cap, wherein the gas outlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger. A housing having a blood inlet and a blood outlet, wherein the blood inlet extends into the housing;
A heat exchanger core disposed in the housing in operative communication with the blood inlet, wherein the heat exchanger core is in fluid communication with an outer surface and the blood inlet from the blood inlet. A heat exchanger core including a core opening configured to allow blood to pass outside the
Heat exchanger fluid is disposed around the heat exchanger core so that fluid flows through the heat exchanger hollow fiber and blood from the core opening can flow across the heat exchanger hollow fiber. A heat exchanger hollow fiber,
The heat exchanger core includes one or more radially disposed ribs configured to provide a radial component to a blood flow across the hollow fibers of the heat exchanger; further,
A cylindrical skin extending coaxially around the heat exchanger core and disposed near the end of the cylindrical skin facing the near end where the core opening is located A cylindrical outer plate, wherein the annular outer plate opening is configured to allow blood to pass outside the cylindrical outer plate;
Disposed around the cylindrical skin so that gas can flow through the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger and blood from the annular skin opening can flow across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger. Gas exchanger hollow fiber,
One or more radial braids on the outer surface of the cylindrical skin, which provide a radial component to the blood flow across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger A blood processing apparatus comprising: one or more radially arranged ribs configured as described above.   The cylindrical outer plate includes an inner surface on which one or more radially arranged outer plate members are disposed, and the one or more radially outer plate members are disposed. The blood processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the blood processing apparatus is configured to provide a radial component to a trajectory of blood flow across the hollow fiber of the heat exchanger.   The heat exchanger core includes a conical deflecting surface disposed between the blood inlet and the core opening, the conical deflecting surface against a blood flow trajectory exiting the core opening. The blood processing apparatus according to claim 11, which provides a radial component.   The housing includes an inner surface on which one or a plurality of radially disposed casing casings are disposed, and the one or more radially disposed casing casings are The blood processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the blood processing apparatus is configured to give a radial component to a blood flow trajectory across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger.   One or more radially disposed on the inner surface of the cylindrical skin and configured to provide a radial component to a blood flow trajectory across the hollow fiber of the heat exchanger The blood processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a brazing material disposed.   One or more radially disposed on the inner surface of the housing and configured to provide a radial component to a blood flow trajectory across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger The blood processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: A housing having a blood inlet and a blood outlet, wherein the blood inlet extends into the housing;
A heat exchanger core extending coaxially within the housing and axially aligned with the blood inlet, comprising a pair of core openings disposed about 180 degrees apart, the pair of core openings A heat exchanger core configured to allow blood to pass from the blood inlet to the outside of the heat exchanger core;
Heat exchanger fluid is disposed around the heat exchanger core so that fluid flows through the heat exchanger hollow fiber and blood from the core opening can flow across the heat exchanger hollow fiber. The heat exchanger hollow fiber,
A cylindrical skin extending coaxially around the heat exchanger core, spaced about 180 degrees apart to create a spiral blood flow through the hollow fibers of the heat exchanger. A cylindrical outer plate including a pair of outer plate openings provided and offset radially from the pair of core openings;
Arranged around the cylindrical skin so that gas can flow through the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger and blood from the annular skin opening can flow across the hollow fiber of the gas exchanger A blood processing apparatus comprising a hollow fiber of a gas exchanger.   18. The blood processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the pair of outer plate openings are disposed near an end portion of the cylindrical outer plate facing a near end portion where the pair of core openings are disposed. .   The blood processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the heat exchanger hollow fiber and the gas exchanger hollow fiber is made of a polymer material.

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