Gary A Reeder

US Patent:

58766677, Mar 2, 1999

Filed:

Jan 11, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/584275

Inventors:

Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA
Sean D. Plunkett - Mission Viejo CA
Henry W. Palermo - Burbank CA
Gary D. Reeder - Morrison CO
Peter Z. Kubisa - Littleton CO
Peter J. Hier - Castle Rock CO

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61M 136

US Classification:

422 44

Abstract:

Micro-conduit with enhanced wetting characteristics for use in providing a blood heat exchanger apparatus with improved heat exchange capability. The micro-conduit comprises a plurality of elongated fibers, which may be made of a hydrophobic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Each fiber is open at two opposing ends, and has an inner surface between the open ends. The inner surface is coated with a wetting agent, such as phosphatidyl choline or another ampiphilic material with a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. The fibers may have a shape and size that without presence of the wetting agent, would otherwise substantially impair free passage of water. The micro-conduit may be provided as a heat exchanger micro-conduit wrapping material, wherein micro-conduit fibers are attached to a thin flexible interconnect, such as woven netting, to maintain the fibers at predetermined spacings in substantially parallel alignment with each other. The wrapping material is wrapped about an elongated spindle to provide a generally cylindrical heat exchange core. Opposing first and second seals are created by applying potting compound between fibers proximate the spindle's first end and proximate the spindle's second end.