Using microbubbles to oxygenate blood: possible?

This paper addresses the concept of introducing oxygen-filled, micrometer-sized bubbles directly into the blood as an adjuvant to the body´s oxygen requirement when respiratory function is compromised (ARDS, SARS). Proof-of-concept experiments determined the time course of oxygen-filled bubbles dissolution in air equilibrated saline. A mathematical model revealed details consistent with the data. Assuming 10 μm bubbles can be made at 1 kHz per nozzle, it was determined that a small pencil-sized device could be inserted into the inferior vena cava to supply oxygen needs. A cross-flow device produced microbubbles at an acceptable rate but the size was unacceptably large. A mathematical model of the process was used to determine dimensional changes that might produce smaller bubbles. A proof-of-concept experiment demonstrated it is realistic to produce 10-13 μm microbubbles continuously.