The leakage of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the heat exchanger membrane of medos hilite oxygenators has been successfully tested. Over the past year a number of manufacturers of oxygenators reported problems with exceeding the specified limit values for H2O2 in the blood.
The ability of hilite oxygenators to meet the specified limit values was therefore tested to ensure the highest possible safety standards for customers and patients. The results were well below the verifiable limit and users can be sure that the devices pose absolutely no danger due to H2O2 leakage.
To ensure heat exchange the device must be connected to a heater-cooler unit, which must be regularly disinfected. This prevents the growth of mycobacteria. H2O2 is the most commonly used means of disinfection of heater-cooler units in surgical units. An independent test laboratory conducted 6-hour test cycles to test the performance of all hilite oxygenators. With a 330 ppm H2O2 solution in the water bath the hilite 7000 oxygenators on the blood side were below the verifiable limit of 0.14 ppm and as a result far below the specified limit value. The risk of H2O2 leakage is negligible, but even so there is still a residual risk in the rare case of a leak in the area of heat exchanger membranes. It is therefore necessary to check every oxygenator for leakage as specified by the operating manual before clinical use with the patient.
The medos company, part of XENIOS AG, offers a complete portfolio of high-performance oxygenators and reservoirs for newborn to adult for a wide range of indications. The hilite oxygenators are fitted with microporous hollow-fiber membranes and are noted for efficient gas and heat exchange.
