MESH SPACER FOR HEAT EXCHANGER

摘要

A blood heat exchange system (10) is disclosed generally comprising a plurality of small polymeric hollow conduits (32) for conveying blood. The hollow conduits (32) are formed in a flat or mat shape that are wrapped in layers around a spindle (16). Layers of the hollow conduits (32) are spaced from each other by a mesh spacer (40). The mesh spacer (40) has holes (44) through it so that a heat transfer fluid such as water may more efficiently flow over and around the outside of the hollow conduits (32). The heat transfer fluid conveys heat from or to the outside surfaces of the hollow conduits (32) which in turn transfer heat from or to the blood passing through the hollow conduits (32). The invention provides a heat exchanger (10) that is more efficient than previously known heat exchangers because the flow of the heat transfer fluid over and around the outer surface of the hollow conduits (32) is more efficient.