초록 ▼

Micro-conduit with enhanced wetting characteristics for use in providing a blood heat exchanger apparatus with improved heat exchange capability. The micro-conduit comprises a plurality of elongated fibers, which may be made of a hydrophobic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Each fiber

Micro-conduit with enhanced wetting characteristics for use in providing a blood heat exchanger apparatus with improved heat exchange capability. The micro-conduit comprises a plurality of elongated fibers, which may be made of a hydrophobic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Each fiber is open at two opposing ends, and has an inner surface between the open ends. The inner surface is coated with a wetting agent, such as phosphatidyl choline or another ampiphilic material with a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. The fibers may have a shape and size that without presence of the wetting agent, would otherwise substantially impair free passage of water. The micro-conduit may be provided as a heat exchanger micro-conduit wrapping material, wherein micro-conduit fibers are attached to a thin flexible interconnect, such as woven netting, to maintain the fibers at predetermined spacings in substantially parallel alignment with each other. The wrapping material is wrapped about an elongated spindle to provide a generally cylindrical heat exchange core. Opposing first and second seals are created by applying potting compound between fibers proximate the spindle's first end and proximate the spindle's second end. After ends of the fibers are trimmed and sealed, a shell is placed around the core.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A heat exchanger apparatus, comprising:a plurality of elongated substantially parallel hollow fibers arranged to form a core, each fiber being made of a polymeric material, each said fiber being open at two opposing ends and having an inner surface between the open ends,

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A heat exchanger apparatus, comprising:a plurality of elongated substantially parallel hollow fibers arranged to form a core, each fiber being made of a polymeric material, each said fiber being open at two opposing ends and having an inner surface between the open ends, each fiber having a shape and size that substantially impairs free passage of water therethrough without the presence of a wetting agent;a shell enclosing the core;a first seal comprising, a layer of potting compound sealingly applied between fibers proximate the spindle's first end; anda second seal comprising a layer of potting compound sealingly applied between fibers proximate the spindle's second end.