Instructions for Using the Baxter Oxygenator
Dublin Core
Title
Instructions for Using the Baxter Oxygenator
Subject
Open Heart Surgery
Description
The disposable sheet oxygenator, a modification of the DeWall Bubble Oxygenator, was manufactured commercially by Baxtor Laboratories.
Creator
University of Minnesota
Source
"Dr. Vincent Gott, 1955-1956," Box 93, C. Walton Lillehei papers, uarc2000-7, University of Minnesota Archives
Publisher
University of Minnesota
Date
1955-1956
Rights
Use of this image is governed by U.S. and international copyright laws. Image is property of the University of Minnesota. Please contact the University of Minnesota Archives for permission to publish this image. https://special.lib.umn.edu/uarch
Format
Document
Language
eng
Identifier
oh0195
Coverage
Open Heart Surgery
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING BAXTER OXYGENATOR
1. Hang unit up on I.V. stand using horizontal steel rod at the tope of the oxygenator.
2. Fill filter chamber with 1:1000 solution of aqueous zepherin in a retrograde fashion
through efferent limb of oxygenator. This solution may be pumped in or poured in using
a sterile funnel. Zepherin with its low surface tension facilitates elimination of the
bubbles. Sterile saline may be used.
3. Clear filter chamber of all air bubbles by gentle manipulation of the filter. (One should
not manipulate heat seal areas roughly.)
4. Fill unit with 5% glucose or normal saline from the top. This is solution for flushing
zepherin from the filter chamber and calibration of the arterial head of the pump.
5. After connecting the oxygenator to the pump and calibrating the arterial head, the saline or
glucose should be pumped from the oxygenator so that the level is a few centimeters above
the origin of the filter chamber.
6. The thermostat should be inserted into the appropriate pocket and the heating element
(3 heat lamps or warming unit) should be turned on about 3 minutes before filling the
oxygenator with blood. Care should be taken not to direct heat on to the debubbler area or
thermostat area.
7. The oxygenator is then filled with blood either using arterial blood, poured into the de-
bubbler chamber, or venous blood pumped into the bubbling chamber. The capacity of the
small oxygenator is approximately 1000ccs of whole blood. This oxygenator unit is designed
for perfusion rates up to 1000/cc/min.
8. Just prior to turning on the pump for the by-pass the oxygenator should be turned up to
10 liters/minute to open all perforations in the bubble disperser. The oxygen flow then
is turned back to approximately 4L/min for perfusion rates of 1000cc/kilo/min. and the
pump is turned on. The oxygen should be adjusted so that t ore is a gentle uninterrupted
rising column of bubbles. This oxygen input is reduced as the perfusion rates are reduced.
9. During the first minute of by-pass the blood level should stabilize and should be maintained
during the remainder of the run by regulating the venous pump. The blood level should al-
ways remain in the debubbler chamber. If blood is lost from the perfusion patient system
it should be immediately and simultaneously replaced. A good method to accomplish this is
by means of a stand by reservoir attached to the venous pump. A cardiotomy aspiration
chamber is easily incorporated using the venous limb of the pump.
1. Hang unit up on I.V. stand using horizontal steel rod at the tope of the oxygenator.
2. Fill filter chamber with 1:1000 solution of aqueous zepherin in a retrograde fashion
through efferent limb of oxygenator. This solution may be pumped in or poured in using
a sterile funnel. Zepherin with its low surface tension facilitates elimination of the
bubbles. Sterile saline may be used.
3. Clear filter chamber of all air bubbles by gentle manipulation of the filter. (One should
not manipulate heat seal areas roughly.)
4. Fill unit with 5% glucose or normal saline from the top. This is solution for flushing
zepherin from the filter chamber and calibration of the arterial head of the pump.
5. After connecting the oxygenator to the pump and calibrating the arterial head, the saline or
glucose should be pumped from the oxygenator so that the level is a few centimeters above
the origin of the filter chamber.
6. The thermostat should be inserted into the appropriate pocket and the heating element
(3 heat lamps or warming unit) should be turned on about 3 minutes before filling the
oxygenator with blood. Care should be taken not to direct heat on to the debubbler area or
thermostat area.
7. The oxygenator is then filled with blood either using arterial blood, poured into the de-
bubbler chamber, or venous blood pumped into the bubbling chamber. The capacity of the
small oxygenator is approximately 1000ccs of whole blood. This oxygenator unit is designed
for perfusion rates up to 1000/cc/min.
8. Just prior to turning on the pump for the by-pass the oxygenator should be turned up to
10 liters/minute to open all perforations in the bubble disperser. The oxygen flow then
is turned back to approximately 4L/min for perfusion rates of 1000cc/kilo/min. and the
pump is turned on. The oxygen should be adjusted so that t ore is a gentle uninterrupted
rising column of bubbles. This oxygen input is reduced as the perfusion rates are reduced.
9. During the first minute of by-pass the blood level should stabilize and should be maintained
during the remainder of the run by regulating the venous pump. The blood level should al-
ways remain in the debubbler chamber. If blood is lost from the perfusion patient system
it should be immediately and simultaneously replaced. A good method to accomplish this is
by means of a stand by reservoir attached to the venous pump. A cardiotomy aspiration
chamber is easily incorporated using the venous limb of the pump.
Original Format
Paper
Citation
University of Minnesota, “Instructions for Using the Baxter Oxygenator,” Gallery, accessed November 8, 2026, https://gallerytemp.reclaim.hosting/items/show/3290.