Development of a new low-volume oxygenator and creation of a hydrodynamic test bench for ex vivo lung perfusion in small animals

Abstract

Small animal models are widely used in basic research. However, experimental hydrodynamic test benches, which include extracorporeal circuits, often have limitations associated with the size and filling volume of equipment. Thus, we aimed at developing and validating a miniature oxygenator as well as a low-volume hydrodynamic system for ex vivo perfusion of small animal lungs. A series of low-volume membrane oxygenators (n = 10) with 90–100 aligned microporous polypropylene hollow fibers, placed inside a sheath that is sealed at both ends to isolate the perfusing solution, was designed and manufactured. This design makes gas to flow through the hollow fibers and perfusate to circulate around the fibers. A low-volume hydrodynamic test bench was designed and assembled for isolated ex vivo lung perfusion and for evaluation of the performance characteristics of the oxygenators: gas and perfusate flow, perfusion pressure and temperature at 5–70 ml/min flow range.