Abstract: A paracorporeal respiratory assist lung is configured with an annular cylindrical hollow fiber membrane (fiber bundle) that is rotated at rapidly varying speeds. Fluid (for example, blood) is introduced to the center of the device and is passed radially through the fiber bundle. The bundle is rotated at rapidly changing velocities with a rotational actuator (for example, a motor or magnetic coupling). The rotation of the fiber bundle provides centrifugal kinetic energy to the fluid giving the device pumping capabilities and may create Taylor vortexes to increase mass transfer. Rotation of the fiber bundle increases the relative velocity between the fluid and the hollow fibers and increases the mass transfer. The porosity of the fiber bundle may be varied to enhance gas exchange with the blood. Alternatively, a rotating core may be used with a stationary fiber bundle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fiber guide that can be used to feed delicate fibers into a machine, for example, the feeding of hollow fibers into a knitting machine. The disclosed guide utilizes dynamic friction and provides for horizontal and front-to-back positioning of the delicate fiber, keeping the delicate fiber vertically aligned while being fed into a machine. Utilizing dynamic friction and maintaining vertical alignment prevents damage to the delicate fiber. The guide also provides for the delicate fiber to be fed from a plurality of overhead angles from a feeding mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fiber guide that can be used to feed delicate fibers into a machine, for example, the feeding of hollow fibers into a knitting machine. The disclosed guide utilizes dynamic friction and provides for horizontal and front-to-back positioning of the delicate fiber, keeping the delicate fiber vertically aligned while being fed into a machine. Utilizing dynamic friction and maintaining vertical alignment prevents damage to the delicate fiber. The guide also provides for the delicate fiber to be fed from a plurality of overhead angles from a feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A paracorporeal respiratory assist lung is configured with an annular cylindrical hollow fiber membrane (fiber bundle) that is rotated at rapidly varying speeds. Fluid (for example, blood) is introduced to the center of the device and is passed radially through the fiber bundle. The bundle is rotated at rapidly changing velocities with a rotational actuator (for example, a motor or magnetic coupling). The rotation of the fiber bundle provides centrifugal kinetic energy to the fluid giving the device pumping capabilities and may create Taylor vortexes to increase mass transfer. Rotation of the fiber bundle increases the relative velocity between the fluid and the hollow fibers and increases the mass transfer. The porosity of the fiber bundle may be varied to enhance gas exchange with the blood. Alternatively, a rotating core may be used with a stationary fiber bundle.

Abstract: A method and system for improving gas exchange properties of oxygenators which utilize hollow fiber membranes for removing carbon dioxide or adding oxygen to a patient's blood via extracorporeal circulation by removing moisture accumulating in the fibers are disclosed. The system utilizes 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.