The MC3 48145 One-Time Use Membrane Oxygenator is a high-performance, disposable medical device engineered to provide temporary respiratory support by replicating pulmonary gas exchange. Designed for use in high-stakes clinical environments, this oxygenator is a critical component for patients requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).
Manufactured by MC3, a specialist in extracorporeal life support technology, the 48145 model ensures the precise delivery of oxygen ($O_2$) and the efficient removal of carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) from the blood. Its design prioritizes safety, sterile integrity, and fluid dynamic efficiency, making it an essential tool for cardiac surgical teams and intensive care specialists managing complex respiratory or circulatory failure.
Core Technology: Advanced Gas-Permeable Membranes
The MC3 48145 utilizes advanced microporous membrane technology to facilitate life-sustaining gas exchange. The device is built with a thin, highly permeable membrane that provides a large surface area for diffusion while maintaining a compact physical footprint.
Unlike older bubble oxygenators, the membrane technology in the 48145 acts as a physical barrier between the gas and blood phases. This prevents direct contact, which significantly reduces the risk of gaseous micro-emboli and blood trauma (hemolysis), ensuring superior biocompatibility during prolonged procedures.
Mechanism of Action
The MC3 48145 operates as an external lung within an extracorporeal circuit:
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Deoxygenated Blood Intake: Venous blood is pumped from the patient into the oxygenator’s blood compartment.
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Diffusion Gradient: Medical-grade oxygen and air mixtures flow through the hollow fibers of the membrane.
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Gas Exchange: Due to the partial pressure gradient across the thin gas-permeable membrane, oxygen diffuses into the blood while carbon dioxide diffuses out of the blood and into the exhaust gas stream.
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Re-infusion: The newly oxygenated, “arterialized” blood is then filtered and returned to the patient’s systemic circulation.
Clinical Applications and Uses
The MC3 48145 is designed for versatility across various extracorporeal support modalities:
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Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB): Providing total respiratory and circulatory support during open-heart surgeries such as CABG or valve replacements.
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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Used in the ICU for long-term support of patients with severe, reversible heart or lung failure.
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Post-Operative Recovery: Temporary support for patients who are difficult to wean from the heart-lung machine.
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Emergency Stabilization: Quick integration into circuits for rapid resuscitation in critical care settings.
Key Advantages
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Optimized Gas Exchange: The thin-membrane design enables rapid $O_2$ and $CO_2$ diffusion, maintaining stable blood gas levels even at varying flow rates.
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Enhanced Sterility Control: As a sterile, single-use device, it eliminates the risks associated with cross-contamination and the complexities of re-sterilization.
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Superior Flow Dynamics: Engineered to minimize blood stagnation and priming volume, which helps reduce the inflammatory response associated with extracorporeal circulation.
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Seamless Integration: Fully compatible with standard CPB and ECMO circuits, allowing for rapid setup in emergency or elective procedures.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | MC3 48145 Specification |
| Device Type | Membrane Oxygenator |
| Usage | Single-Use / Disposable |
| Primary Material | Gas-Permeable Microporous Membrane |
| Function | $O_2$ Enrichment and $CO_2$ Removal |
| Compatibility | Standard Extracorporeal Circuits (CPB/ECMO) |
| Sterility | Gamma or ETO Sterilized (Individually Packaged) |
| Efficiency | High-Performance Gas Transfer Dynamics |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of the MC3 48145 Membrane Oxygenator?
The MC3 48145 is designed to act as an artificial lung during medical procedures where the patient’s own lungs cannot function sufficiently. It oxygenates the blood and removes carbon dioxide outside the body, supporting patients during complex cardiac surgeries or severe respiratory failure in the ICU.
Why is the single-use design of the MC3 48145 beneficial?
The single-use, disposable design is a critical safety feature. It ensures that every patient receives a pristine, sterile device, effectively eliminating the risk of hospital-acquired infections or cross-contamination that could occur with multi-use equipment. It also streamlines surgical prep time by removing the need for re-sterilization.
Is the MC3 48145 compatible with all ECMO machines?
The MC3 48145 is engineered for high compatibility and can be integrated into most standard cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits. Its universal connection points allow clinical teams to incorporate it into their existing hardware setups without the need for specialized adapters.
How does membrane technology compare to traditional bubble oxygenators?
Membrane oxygenators like the MC3 48145 are significantly safer than traditional bubble oxygenators. By using a physical barrier between gas and blood, they reduce blood trauma, lower the risk of air emboli, and allow for much longer periods of support, which is essential for ECMO therapy.
What ensures the high efficiency of the MC3 48145?
The efficiency of the 48145 stems from its advanced gas-permeable membrane. The material is designed to be exceptionally thin to allow for rapid gas diffusion while maintaining structural integrity. This ensures that even at high blood flow rates, the device can maintain optimal physiological blood-gas concentrations.
Can the MC3 48145 be used for pediatric patients?
While membrane oxygenators are used across all age groups, the 48145 is typically sized for specific flow rate ranges. Clinicians should verify that the device’s rated blood flow capacity and priming volume match the physiological requirements of the specific patient, whether adult or pediatric, before initiation.
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