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A patent application titled "Oxygenator With Circumferentially Constricting Housing" was published online by inventors from Pittsburgh, PA, and Freeport, PA, on December 5, 2024. The patent application, assigned to CardiacAssist Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, describes an oxygenator design with a housing that can selectively move radially with respect to a bundle of hollow gas exchange fibers to improve blood flow and oxygenation efficiency. The inventors highlight the need for alternative devices to reduce stagnation and thrombus formation in blood oxygenators. The patent application outlines various configurations and mechanisms for enhancing blood flow and oxygenation in the device. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by inventors from CardiacAssist Inc. for an "Oxygenator With Improved Blood Mixing" has been made available online. The patent application describes an oxygenator design with rotatable end caps and hollow gas exchange fibers to enhance blood mixing and reduce stagnation, potentially improving oxygenation and reducing thrombus formation. The inventors aim to address the need for alternative devices and methods in extracorporeal circulation for optimal patient perfusion. The patent application details various embodiments and aspects of the oxygenator design, emphasizing flexibility, continuous housing, and accordion chambers for improved blood flow. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a clinical trial in China, NCT06713876, focusing on the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (VA-ECMO) assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the impact of operator experience. The study aims to investigate the association between operator experience and one-year mortality post-VA-ECMO-assisted PCI in high-risk patients. The trial involves 220 patients with VA-ECMO-assisted PCI, with data collection and clinical follow-up at various intervals up to five years. The study highlights the importance of mechanical circulatory support devices like VA-ECMO in providing hemodynamic support during high-risk PCI procedures. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers have submitted a patent application for a method and apparatus to support premature fetuses extracorporeally, aiming to address the challenges associated with extreme prematurity. The system includes a fluid reservoir, a pumpless pediatric oxygenator, and mechanisms to manipulate the fluid reservoir to support fetal growth and development. This innovative approach could potentially reduce morbidity and mortality in extremely premature infants, offering a new paradigm in neonatal care. The patent application outlines the technical details and potential benefits of this extracorporeal system for supporting premature fetuses. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers have submitted a patent application for an "Extracorporeal Circuit For Decapneization Of Organic Fluids," which aims to accurately detect and remove carbon dioxide from a patient's blood during therapies. The invention involves an extracorporeal blood circuit with a decapneizer and a hemofilter to make CO2 removal less invasive. By monitoring CO2 values in real-time, doctors can better manage ventilation for patients, potentially avoiding complications associated with mechanical ventilation. The patent application was filed by Giuliana Gavioli on April 6, 2022, and made available online on November 14, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China, focused on improving respiratory therapy through fluid simulation analysis of oxygenated membrane fabrics used in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) technology. By applying knitting technology to the oxygenator membrane material, researchers found a significant reduction in pressure and turbulence within the flow field, leading to enhanced oxygenation efficiency and membrane durability. The study highlights the potential benefits of knitting technology in improving the performance of ECMO oxygenators, ultimately contributing to advancements in medical treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by inventors from various locations describes a Loco-Regional Perfusion System for delivering drugs to isolated organs or tumors during a patient's beating heart. The system involves catheters, an oxygenator, and a pump to create a closed circuit for targeted drug delivery. This method could have applications in cancer treatment and Alzheimer's therapy, offering a more precise and effective approach to drug delivery. [Extracted from the article]

A patent was issued to Spectrum Medical Ltd. for a control system invented by Stephen Turner, focusing on extracorporeal perfusion processes used in medical procedures like open heart surgery. The system controls the flow rates of oxygen and nitrogen to ensure appropriate blood oxygenation levels. It also allows for the modulation of flow rates and the blending of gases to maintain safe blood conditions for patients. The patent details a gas supply control system for an oxygenator in an extracorporeal ventilation system, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper gas exchange for patient safety. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research on respiratory therapy, focusing on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) as a treatment for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study highlights the challenges of managing anticoagulation and monitoring hemostasis in ECMO patients, emphasizing the importance of recognizing systemic coagulation derangement as an early sign of oxygenator failure. The research suggests that timely oxygenator exchange may be necessary in such cases, although it poses risks, especially for fully ECMO-dependent patients. For more information, the full article is available at https://doi.org/10.3390/reports7040097. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06676085, is being conducted to optimize anticoagulation management in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to reduce bleeding and thrombotic events, which are associated with increased mortality rates. The trial involves a novel strategy combining regional anticoagulation in the membrane oxygenator with low-intensity systemic anticoagulation using Nafamostat and unfractionated heparin. The study aims to enroll 60 participants and is being conducted at Beijing Chao Yang Hospital in China. The primary outcome measure is the incidence of ECMO-related bleeding or thrombotic events over a 28-day period. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands discusses research findings on respiratory therapy, specifically focusing on risk factors for elective and emergency oxygenator exchanges during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The study aimed to identify predictors for these exchanges and found that higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide, transmembrane pressure difference, and hemoglobin were associated with oxygenator exchanges, while lower lactate dehydrogenase was a risk factor for emergency exchanges. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into managing oxygenator dysfunction during ECMO support. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Blood Gas Exchanger With Restriction Element Or Elements To Reduce Gas Exchange" by inventors Mazzoli and Reggiani, assigned to Sorin Group Italia S.R.L., focuses on improving blood perfusion systems used in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The invention involves a gas exchanger with a restriction element to control oxygen supply to hollow gas permeable fibers, particularly beneficial for small patients like neonates. The patent application details various embodiments and methods for optimizing oxygenation in blood perfusion systems. The application was filed on July 8, 2024, and made available online on October 31, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City have conducted a study on experimental lung transplants using venopulmonary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation. The study highlights the potential benefits of this approach, drawing insights from successful cases in South Korea and the United States. While in-hospital mortality rates are comparable to other methods, further research is needed to solidify the effectiveness of this technique in enhancing patient outcomes and reducing costs, especially in developing countries. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Bern University Hospital in Switzerland evaluated the hemodynamic performance of arterial and venous cannulae in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits under pulsatile and non-pulsatile flow conditions. The research found that pulsatile testing conditions led to more physiological testing conditions and are recommended for ECMO testing. The study concluded that under non-pulsatile conditions, the system exhibited overall higher pressures, resulting in higher support to the patient. The findings were published in the journal Artificial Organs and can be accessed online for further information. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine have detailed data on infective endocarditis, focusing on a case study of a 31-year-old patient with recurrent infective endocarditis and severe complications. Despite medical management, the patient required Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to definitive treatment, including valve replacement and VSD repair. The study suggests that ECMO could be a potential bridge for high-risk patients with complicated infective endocarditis who do not respond to medical management. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for an oxygenator and a method for manufacturing it by Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha. The invention aims to prevent collapses in the lumens of hollow fiber membranes, which could decrease heat and gas exchange rates. By using an intermediate spacer to support the outer cylinder unit and create gaps between components, the oxygenator design seeks to maintain efficient exchange rates. This patent provides detailed information on the construction and manufacturing process of the oxygenator, offering insights into advancements in medical device technology. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from University Hospital RWTH Aachen conducted a study on thrombosis, focusing on predicting clot formation within an oxygenator using bioimpedance analysis. The study aimed to improve monitoring techniques for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by integrating sensor fibers within the oxygenator. Results showed that bioimpedance measurements could detect clot growth earlier than the clinical gold standard method, highlighting the potential for bioimpedance to enhance clot detection in medical devices. The study was funded by the German Research Foundation and the Start-program of The Faculty of Medicine of The Rwth Aachen University. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been published online for a method of manufacturing medical devices with an engineered heparin bioactive matrix on blood-contacting surfaces. The method involves activating the surface, grafting a polymeric hydrogel, bonding a positively charged spacer molecule, and covalently bonding heparin to the spacer molecule. The invention aims to improve the biocompatibility and blood compatibility of medical devices while minimizing the risk of blood clotting. This method can be applied to various medical devices such as pipeline flow diverters, stents, and catheters. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a method and apparatus for extracorporeal support of premature fetuses. The invention aims to address the challenges associated with extreme prematurity, such as respiratory failure and organ immaturity. The system includes a fluid reservoir to enclose the fetus, a fluid supply line, a fluid discharge line, and a pumpless pediatric oxygenator to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the fetus's blood. The system also includes a mechanism to manipulate the fluid reservoir and vary the position of the fetus. The invention provides a potential solution to support fetal growth and development, reducing morbidity and mortality in premature infants. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by RCE Technologies Inc. describes a system and method for real-time monitoring the condition of an organ during transport, transplant, and artificially diverted recirculatory pathways. The invention aims to improve the evaluation of suboptimal donor hearts or organs during transport, potentially increasing the percentage of donor organs that can be transplanted. The system includes an optical device, a reservoir of normothermic fluid, a perfusion circuit, a pump, and an oxygenator. The methods or systems may also involve monitoring the physiological baseline of the donor organ during transport and using computational models to predict lifetime expectancy and rejection rates. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Beihang University in Beijing, China, investigated the effects of different clinical modalities and configurations on oxygenator pressure loss, oxygen transfer ability, and thrombosis risk. The study found that low flow rates with low-pressure loss and high partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) increased thrombosis risk. The shape and inlet/outlet configuration of the oxygenator also had an impact on thrombosis risk, with the lowest risk found in the center inlet and upper/lower outlet round oxygenator configuration. The study validated a thrombosis risk model and concluded that the oxygenator operation mode and external configuration significantly affected thrombosis. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus have conducted a study on the impact of hypoxia on valvular interstitial cell calcification. They used a microphysiological system (MPS) with an oxygenator to simulate hypoxic conditions and monitor the expression of fibrosis and calcification markers. The study found that hypoxic oxygen concentration increased calcification potential in valvular interstitial cells cultured in the MPS. This research suggests that oxygen regulation combined with calcification induction media can provide insights into the expression of pathological markers. Further validation and long-term tissue culture studies are needed to advance this research. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the issuance of a patent for a system and method designed for extracorporeal carbon monoxide removal using phototherapy, assigned to General Hospital Corporation. Topics discussed include the method's use of light to photodissociate carboxyhemoglobin, the design of an oxygenator with microporous hollow fiber membranes, and the inclusion of light sources arranged to illuminate the oxygenator from both sides.

A patent application has been submitted for a new oxygenator device that aims to improve upon existing models. The device consists of a container body with openings for gases and fluids, and an oxygenation chamber containing capillary fibers that allow gas exchange with the organic fluid. The invention includes a method for forming the fibers and features chambers for the entry and exit of the fluid. The goal of the invention is to simplify assembly, reduce fiber damage, and minimize the size of the oxygenator. This patent application provides detailed information about the design and function of the device, which could have potential applications in the field of health and medicine. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh analyzed the dysfunction of polymethylpentene (PMP) oxygenators used in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) procedures. The study included 19 adult patients supported on ECMO with different types of PMP oxygenators. The researchers found that patients supported with Eurosets AMG PMP oxygenators experienced higher resistance and lower post-oxygenator PaO2 compared to other cohorts. However, there was no difference in measured oxygen transfer between the cohorts. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the differences between flow-varying PMP oxygenators and their appropriate cutoffs for dysfunction. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for an oxygenator unit with a pressure relief valve. The patent, filed by inventor Jorn Ahrens, aims to provide an oxygenator unit and extracorporeal blood treatment device that effectively removes air bubbles from the blood. The invention achieves this by controlling the exchange of substances between the gaseous side and the blood side of the oxygenator through diffusion. The patent includes various claims related to the design and functionality of the oxygenator unit and blood treatment device. The assignee for the patent is B. Braun Avitum AG. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center in Japan discusses the predictors of membrane oxygenator failure in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The study found that a ratio of blood flow divided by the blood flow limit of the membrane oxygenator (B/L) of less than 0.5 was associated with a higher risk of membrane oxygenator failure within 72 hours. Additionally, an increase in body weight and elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels were also identified as independent risk factors for early membrane oxygenator failure. The researchers suggest that further investigation is needed to better understand this association. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a membrane oxygenator developed by Jiangsu Stmed Technology Co. Ltd. The membrane oxygenator is a medical device used to replace lung functions during cardiac arrest and is essential for cardiovascular surgery, acute respiratory disease treatment, and lung transplantation. The patent describes an improved membrane oxygenator design that enhances air exchange capacity while minimizing blood loss and damage. The device includes an upper cover, lower cover, shell, oxygenation structure, gap, and spoiler structure. The patent provides detailed descriptions and claims for the various components of the membrane oxygenator. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a new extracorporeal circuit support system that can be used during open-heart surgery and other medical interventions. The system includes a blood pump, an oxygenator, and a pump drive that is compatible with magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) devices. The pump drive is designed as a gas expansion motor, eliminating the need for components that could interfere with the MRT. The system can be used as a heart-lung machine or an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) device and is made of metal-free and MR-safe materials. It can be used for patient transports and ECMO procedures. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a transfer tray and priming cart designed to address respiratory failure in premature infants. The transfer tray is used to transfer blood from the infant to an oxygenator and back, while the priming cart is used to prime the conduits of an external support system and connect the infant to the system. The invention includes adjustable support members, pressure sensors, and a gas tank for delivering a predetermined gas mixture to the oxygenator. The patent application also describes methods for cannulating an umbilical cord and priming the blood circuit. For more information, please refer to the full patent application. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at University Hospital RWTH Aachen in Germany has found that the ventilatory ratio (VR) can be used as a reliable predictor of successful weaning from a veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (VV-ECMO) in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The VR, which is calculated using minute ventilation, arterial pCO2, and predicted body weight, was found to be significantly associated with the risk of unsuccessful weaning and adverse clinical outcomes. The study suggests that higher VR values are indicative of a higher risk of unsuccessful weaning. This research provides valuable insights into the weaning process from VV-ECMO and may help inform clinical decision-making in the future. [Extracted from the article]

This patent application describes a blood circulation system that aims to control the flow rate of blood in patients. The system includes two blood circulation devices, Impella and V-A ECMO, which remove and deliver blood to different parts of the body. The patent application addresses the need to adjust the flow rates of blood in both devices according to the patient's condition and proposes a solution to control the flow rates accurately. The system includes detection units and control sections that use the detection results to control the rotation speed of the centrifugal pumps, ensuring that the flow rate of blood through each device is appropriately controlled. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology focused on understanding hemolysis, the breakdown of red blood cells, in microfluidic devices. These devices have the potential to improve hemodialysis and oxygenation technologies by incorporating high-permeability membranes into portable devices with low blood volume. The researchers used computational models to predict hemolysis in four variants of a microfluidic membrane-based oxygenator and found that certain parameter sets accurately predicted hemolysis values under different shear conditions. Empirical testing of the devices revealed significantly lower levels of hemolysis compared to conventional oxygenators. The study suggests that computational modeling can complement empirical testing in the development of high-flow microfluidic devices and holds promise for the future development of microfluidic oxygenators and dialyzers. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for an extracorporeal life support system by LivaNova Deutschland GmbH. The system is designed to provide cardiac and respiratory support to patients undergoing medical procedures for cardiac or respiratory diseases. It works by removing blood from the patient's body, oxygenating it, and then returning it to the patient. The system includes various components such as blood pumps, oxygenators, sensors, and control units to monitor and adjust blood flow. The patent application provides detailed descriptions of different configurations and features of the system. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from RWTH Aachen University in Germany discusses the development of a membrane-supported liquid-liquid oxygenator as a potential solution for artificial lung systems. The researchers combined hollow fiber technology with historic liquid-liquid approaches to create a stable interface without the risk of embolization. The proof-of-principle oxygenator demonstrated promising gas transfer capabilities without the presence of droplets in the blood. This research provides a potential avenue for further exploration in the field of artificial lungs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics examined the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuitry on the antiviral drug Remdesivir. The study found that there was a loss of Remdesivir within the circuit during the study period, with the loss being more pronounced in larger circuits. The researchers suggest that Remdesivir dosing may need to be adjusted to account for this drug loss. Further studies are needed to validate these findings. This information is important for healthcare professionals considering the use of Remdesivir in ECMO patients. [Extracted from the article]

The patent application describes a distal flow arterial cannula with an expandable positioning balloon that aims to improve blood flow during medical procedures. The cannula includes a main tube with an expandable balloon that can engage the inner wall of the patient's vasculature, allowing blood to flow through. The invention also includes using an oxygenator to oxygenate the blood before infusing it into the patient's vasculature. The patent application provides detailed technical specifications for the cannula device and its use in medical procedures. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Great Ormond St. Hospital for Sick Children in London, United Kingdom, explored the effect of excessive gas to blood ratios in an ECMO oxygenator. The researchers found that increasing the gas to blood flow rate above the manufacturer's stated maximum ratio did not significantly increase gas phase pressures or cause oxygenator membrane rupture. Additionally, there were no associations between gas flow rates and the production of gaseous microemboli. This research provides valuable insights into the use of oxygenators for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. [Extracted from the article]

Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha, a medical device company based in Tokyo, Japan, has been issued a patent for an oxygenator. The patent describes an oxygenator that is capable of speeding up the priming process and limiting the leakage of plasma. The oxygenator includes a bubble-removing hollow fiber membrane layer, a gas-exchanging hollow fiber membrane layer, a discharge port, a gas permeable portion, and a plasma capture chamber. By capturing plasma leaking through the membrane layer and allowing bubbles to be removed, the oxygenator improves the efficiency of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) procedures. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for an oxygenation system by Spectrum Medical Ltd. The system is designed for extracorporeal perfusion, a process in which blood is circulated outside the body to be re-oxygenated and have its carbon dioxide levels adjusted. The oxygenator in the system allows for gas exchange between the oxygenation gas supply and the blood through a gas-blood interface. The patent describes a supply gas distribution arrangement that modulates the oxygenation gas supply differently for different regions of the gas-blood interface. The system also includes features such as blood sensors, gas sensors, and a veno-arterial shunt. [Extracted from the article]

The patent application by LivaNova Deutschland GmbH describes a modular heater cooler system for heating or cooling a patient's blood during medical procedures. The system aims to address contamination and power consumption issues in current devices used in heart-lung machines and ECMO devices. It eliminates the need for a fluid reservoir and utilizes separate circuits for the heat exchanging medium and the patient's blood, preventing contamination. The system offers options for disposable or reusable circuits and includes features such as temperature sensors and auxiliary electric heaters. The patent application also includes claims related to the modular system and methods of heating/cooling blood. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Blood Oxygenator" has been published online by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent application describes a new design for a blood oxygenator, which is a device used in the treatment of lung-related diseases. The new design aims to improve the efficiency of the oxygenator by optimizing the blood flow path and reducing the risk of complications such as thrombosis. The blood oxygenator includes a blood inlet chamber, a cylindrical housing, a heat exchange zone, and a gas exchange zone. The design also incorporates a spiral liquid inlet pipe to improve blood flow and gas exchange efficiency. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a system and method to preserve organs for transplantation. The system includes various components such as a fluid reservoir, heat exchanger, oxygenator, pumps, and a controller. The method involves placing the donated organ in a basin with a preservation solution, connecting it to the system, and controlling the temperature and flow of the perfusion fluid to preserve the organ. The goal of this system and method is to improve the success of organ transplantation. For more information, please refer to the full patent application. [Extracted from the article]

Haemaflow Limited, based in Swansea, United Kingdom, has been issued a patent for a blood pump apparatus. The patent describes a system that aims to improve existing devices for blood pumping, particularly in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems. The apparatus includes a flexible inner cylindrical duct and an outer cylindrical duct that accommodates a pumping fluid. The pump delivers a pulsating blood flow, which can be synchronized with the patient's heartbeat, and eliminates the need for bulky bedside equipment. The invention has the potential to improve patient mobility, reduce hospital stays, and enhance recovery rates. [Extracted from the article]

Inventors J. Freddy Hansen and Daniel I. Harjes have filed a patent application for an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) with partitioned sides. The oxygenator includes gas permeable conduits that improve gas transfer to and from the blood, resulting in more uniform oxygenation. The housing of the oxygenator distributes gas flow in different directions, allowing for a more even distribution of oxygen across the blood flow. This design reduces the priming volume of blood required and minimizes shear on the blood. The oxygenator can have various cross-sectional shapes and includes a heat exchanger to regulate the temperature of the blood flow. The patent application provides detailed descriptions of the oxygenator assembly and its components. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been filed by Jiangsu Stmed Technology Co. Ltd. for a membrane oxygenator, a medical device that can replace lung functions during cardiac arrest. The device regulates the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and is used in cardiovascular surgery, the treatment of acute respiratory diseases, and lung transplantation. The patent application describes an improved membrane oxygenator design that enhances air exchange capacity while minimizing blood loss and damage. The device includes an upper cover, a lower cover, a shell, an oxygenation structure, a gap, and a spoiler structure. The inventors propose various features such as plugging layers, ventilation pipes, variable temperature tubes, and a recirculation port to optimize the device's performance. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a blood-gas exchange device and methods of use. The device, developed by Inspira-Technologies OXY B.H.N. LTD., aims to improve the efficiency of gas exchange and reduce damage to blood components during the process. Unlike existing oxygenators that use fiber membranes or gas bubbles, this device allows for direct contact between blood and gas without the need for a separating membrane. The device utilizes a rotatable chamber that channels the blood along its walls, forming a blood layer that directly contacts the gas and enables gas exchange. This innovative technology has the potential to lower the risk levels associated with the use of oxygenators and reduce manufacturing costs. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a heater/cooler device for an oxygenator used in extracorporeal oxygenation of blood. The device is designed to warm or cool the blood in a patient's extracorporeal blood circulation and includes a heat exchanger. The patent describes a system that uses a thermoelectric heater/cooler connected to the heat exchanger by a thermal connecting element, eliminating the need for a circulating heat exchanging medium. The invention aims to provide a reliable and hygienic oxygenator with reduced risk of bacterial contamination. The patent was filed by Marco Kechele and assigned to LivaNova Deutschland GmbH. [Extracted from the article]