| 摘要 |
Micro-conduit (102) with enhanced wetting characteristics for use in providing a blood heat exchanger apparatus (300) with improved heat exchange capability. The micro-conduit (102) comprises a plurality of elongated fibers (100), which may be made of a hydrophobic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Each fiber (100) is open at two opposing ends, and has an inner surface (152) between the open ends. The inner surface (152) is coated with a wetting agent, such as phosphatidyl choline or another amphiphilic material with a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. The fibers (100) may have a shape and size that, without presence of the wetting agent, would otherwise substantially impair free passage of water. The micro-conduit (102) may be provided as a heat exchanger micro-conduit wrapping material (304), wherein micro-conduit fibers (100) are attached to a thin flexible interconnect, such as woven netting, to maintain the fibers (100) at predetermined spacings in substantially parallel alignment with each other. The wrapping material is wrapped about an elongated spindle (306) to provide a generally cylindrical heat exchange core (304). Opposing first and second seals (314, 316) are created by applying potting compound between fibers (100) proximate the spindle's first end (308) and proximate the spindle's second end (310). After ends of the fibers (100) are trimmed and sealed, a shell (312) is placed around the core (304).
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