Intravascular membrane oxygenator and carbon dioxide removal devices: A review of performance and improvements

Intravascular oxygenator and carbon dioxide removal device (IVOX) was developed to enhance CO₂ removal without the need for extracorporeal circulation or blood transfusion. By allowing the blood pCO₂ to rise gradually, the CO₂ excretion by IVOX can be linearly increased in a 1:1 relationships. Increased surface area with more fibers and enhanced mixing by increased fiber crimping in new prototypes of IVOX significantly decreased CO₂ removal. With improved design and patient management, clinically meaningful gas exchange and reduction in mechanical ventilatory support may be achieved during treatment of severe respiratory failure.