Bionique Flow Technologies
Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO – used as a generic term for both ECMO and ECLS) is used to treat acute respiratory and circulatory failure – a condition that affects about 12 million people worldwide every year.
ECMO equipment evolved from the adaption of heart-lung machines utilized for cardio-pulmonary bypasses during thoracic surgeries. Most of the currently available devices have only experienced incremental innovation over time, which only yielded gradual improvements.
Hemovent has been taking a disruptive approach, utilizing cutting-edge design principles from flow dynamics research. This paradigm shift led to development of our game-changing Bionique Flow Technologies.
We realized our vision and created a system that performs extracorporeal perfusion and oxygenation in a very gentle way. Our Bionique Flow Technologies facilitate a significant reduction of foreign surface contact area, shear stress on the blood cells, and thrombocyte activation. Moreover, we were able to increase gas exchange efficiency and device miniaturization at the same time.
The oxygenator utilizes unique design principles to optimize wash-out, reduce pressure drops, and increase gas exchange efficiency.
While some traditional oxygenators have stacked designs with corners that are prone to clotting, our design seals the corner regions of the stacked deck of hollow fiber membranes to create a cylindrical stack. This supports the natural flow behavior of liquids, imitating the conditions observed in natural circulation to eliminate risk of thrombosis in these areas.
The bi-ventricular displacement pump is similar to those utilized in membrane pumps for Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) and Total Artificial Hearts (TAH), which are known for superior long-term blood care.
Compared to rotary pumps, displacement pumps apply much lower shear stress to erythrocytes and other blood components, which results in less hemolysis and clotting activation.
The combination of laminar flow during chamber unloading with non-linear components during chamber switching creates transient flow conditions. This prevents stagnant flow areas and lowers the risk of thrombosis.
Pneumatic instead of electric power: Oxygen pressure is required to ventilate the patient. Because it is already inherently part of the system in any case, it is only logical to use the pressure energy of the gas to drive a pump for blood transportation as well.