Gas flow in relation to blood flow in oxygenators. An evaluation of the new Shiley bubble oxygenator.

A new bubble oxygenator, designed by the Shiley Laboratories, which utilizes a low gas flow for oxygenation, was first tested in dogs and then in 100 clinical cases. For perfusion in adult patients, a gas flow as low as 0.6 litre oxygen per 1 litre blood has given adequate oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide with no untoward effect on the blood, as compared with other oxygenators, including the membrane type.