Development of a self-pumping extracorporeal blood oxygenation device characterized by a rotating shaft with embedded fiber packages

Introduction: To offer respiratory support for patients with lung disease, a novel technological solution for blood pumping and oxygenation is being developed. The pump–lung system was designed to integrate fiber membranes into six packages radially embedded in a rotating hollow shaft placed along the longitudinal axis of the device. Fiber packages are inclined with respect to the rotation axis so that the rotational motion of the rotating shaft allows a self-pumping system to be obtained. Method: Both hemodynamic and gas transfer performances were investigated using both in vitro experiments and in silico flow analyses. Results: The predicted flow velocity in the pump chamber was smooth and characterized by high peripheral velocities near the housing wall. As the blood flow enters the inlet, the static pressure increased with the angular momentum imparted to the fiber packages. Experiments confirmed that the proposed pump–lung system can provide adequate blood flow and oxygen transfer over the range of intended operating conditions (0.5–5 L/min and 500–1500 r/min). Conclusion: Although the study did not include animal testing, the novel pump-oxygenator solution is feasible for respiratory support in patients with lung diseases.