Development and current status of a new intracorporeal membrane oxygenator (IVOX)

The IVOX (intravascular oxygenator) is an intracorporeal, hollow-fibre membrane oxygenator and carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal device. The IVOX is surgically placed into the vena cava via a femoral or jugular venotomy. Oxygen (O₂) is pulled through the hollow fibres by a vacuum pump controlled by a flow meter. There is no extracorporeal circulation of blood. Gas exchange occurs as the patient's blood flows over several hundred hollow fibres. Inlet and outlet gas conduits exit a small skin incision for inflow of O₂ and outflow of CO₂. Studies in sheep show that the IVOX can support approximately 30% of gas exchange requirements. The position of the IVOX in the vena cava does not affect haemodynamics or cause thromboembolic complications. It can remain in place for up to 22 days without affecting haematologic or blood chemistry parameters. The IVOX is currently undergoing clinical trials at selected medical centres in patients with acute respiratory failure.