Using microbubbles to oxygenate blood: possible?
- Resource Type
- Conference
- Authors
- Schubert, R.W.; Conrad, S.A.; Sung Sam Kim
- Source
- Proceedings of the 25th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (IEEE Cat. No.03CH37439) Engineering in medicine and biology society Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2003. Proceedings of the 25th Annual International Conference of the IEEE. 1:431-434 Vol.1 2003
- Subject
- Bioengineering
Blood
Mathematical model
Lungs
Glass
Biomedical engineering
Microscopy
Fabrication
Silicon
Microchannel
Etching
- Language
- ISSN
- 1094-687X
This paper addresses the concept of introducing oxygen-filled, micrometer-sized bubbles directly into the blood as an adjuvant to the body's oxygen requirement when respiratory function is compromised (ARDS, SARS). Proof-of-concept experiments determined the time course of oxygen-filled bubbles dissolution in air equilibrated saline. A mathematical model revealed details consistent with the data. Assuming 10 /spl mu/m bubbles can be made at 1 kHz per nozzle, it was determined that a small pencil-sized device could be inserted into the inferior vena cava to supply oxygen needs. A cross-flow device produced microbubbles at an acceptable rate but the size was unacceptably large. A mathematical model of the process was used to determine dimensional changes that might produce smaller bubbles. A proof-of-concept experiment demonstrated it is realistic to produce 10-13 /spl mu/m microbubbles continuously.