Patent ID: 8585968
Filing Date: 2013-11-19
Classification: A61M,B01D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for removing moisture from an oxygenator which utilizes a sweep gas that flows through hollow fibers forming a portion of the oxygenator to remove carbon dioxide or add oxygen to a patient's blood entering the oxygenator, comprising: the oxygenator capable of having a moisture build up within the hollow fibers; a vacuum source for drawing sweep gas into the oxygenator; a moisture collection unit for storing moisture removed from the oxygenator, the moisture collecting unit being in communication with the oxygenator and the vacuum source; and a flow control mechanism having an open position which allows sweep gas exiting the oxygenator to flow to the moisture collecting unit and a closed position which stops the flow of sweep gas from the oxygenator to the moisture collecting unit, wherein the vacuum source draws sweep gas through the oxygenator and moisture collecting unit when the flow control mechanism is in the open position and the vacuum source creates a buildup of negative pressure in the moisture collecting unit when the flow control mechanism is in the closed position; and whereby the moisture is removed from the hollow fibers intermittently by an impulse of sweep gas at a higher flow rate created by a release of the negative pressure caused by opening the flow control mechanism after the flow control mechanism had been closed for a period of time, and whereby removing the moisture from the hollow fibers is accomplished without raising a positive pressure of the sweep gas.