By Draper
To improve health outcomes for ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) patients, Draper engineered a microfluidic blood oxygenator called BLOx that mimics human the physiological patterns of blood flow in the natural microcirculation To improve health outcomes for ECMO patients, Draper engineered a microfluidic blood oxygenator called BLOx that mimics human body conditions.ECMO therapy oxygenates blood and removes carbon dioxide, supporting premature infants, transplant patients and those with respiratory failure. ECMO therapy oxygenates blood and removes carbon dioxide, supporting premature infants, transplant patients and those with respiratory failure. Traditional microfluidic oxygenators face challenges with clotting, bleeding and blood health stability, but Draper’s microfluidic device is the first to show long-term stable performance with minimal thrombus formation in large animal studies. BLOx features branched microfluidic microchannels that mimic human vasculature, creating uniform flow and pressure to reduce thrombosis and inflammation. Benefits include reduced shear stress, efficient oxygen transfer, and lower blood prime volume. The advanced prototype supports a 1 L/minute flow rate, suitable for pediatric use. Draper’s innovation represents a significant step toward anticoagulant-free operation, improving ICU patient outcomes. Traditional microfluidic oxygenators face challenges with high flow rates and blood health stability, but Draper’s microfluidic device is the first to show long-term stable performance with minimal thrombus formation in large animal studies. BLOx features branched microfluidic microchannels that mimic human vasculature, creating uniform flow and pressure to reduce thrombosis and inflammation.
