GAS-PERMEABLE MEMBRANE,METHOD OF MAKING IT AND BLOOD OXYGENATOR BASED ON THE USE THEREOF

摘要

The gas-permeable membrane consists of a reinforcing substrate (2) and a continuous layer (1) of a polymer based on silicone rubber. The substrate (2) is made of a solid material with open porosity. The layer (1) is 2 to 5 microns thick and fills in partially the pores (3). The method of making the gas-permeable membrane consists in preparing a 1-20% solution of the polymer based on silicone rubber in a solvent which is inert with respect to the material of the solid porous substrate and is capable of wetting it. The substrate is then heated up to a temperature which is by 0,5-20 C higher than the boiling temperature of the solvent and the solution of the polymer is sprayed onto the surface of the substrate at a ratio of 0,5-5 mg/cm2. The blood oxygenator comprises a plurality of rigid gas-permeable membranes (13) assembled one above the other in a casing (17). The membranes (13) are connected in pairs along their periphery and around central openings thus forming gas flow chambers (15) covered with a layer of polymer on their internal surfaces. Blood flow chambers (14) are formed in the gaps between projections (19) on the external surfaces of the gas flow chambers (15). A central blood flow inlet collector (16) is formed along the central openings of the membranes (13).