Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A control system for regulating oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of blood in an ECLS circuit connected to a patient. The control system includes a gas analyzer that determines the concentrations of carbon dioxide in the blood being withdrawn from the patient and of the oxygen in blood being returned to the patient. The analyzer provides concentration signals corresponding to these concentrations to a system controller. The system controller is also inputted with setpoint values for these concentrations. Utilizing control algorithm, the system controller calculates gas flow control and blood flow control signals based on the differences of the concentration signals and the setpoint values. A gas flow controller coupled to the system controller receives the gas flow control signal provides gas from a gas source to the ECLS circuit at a predetermined rate in response thereto. The blood flow control signal is communicated to a pump whose operating speed is the adjusted according to the blood flow control signal so as to control the blood flow rate through the ECLS circuit. As a result, the concentrations of carbon dioxide in the blood being withdrawn from the patient and of the oxygen in blood being returned to the patient are adjusted so as to approach the setpoint values thereof.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim