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Method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport

  • US 7,687,272 B1
  • Filed: 08/24/2000
  • Issued: 03/30/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/12/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for measuring diffusion of oxygen across a red blood cell membrane, the apparatus comprising:

  • an oxygen level detector, a gas exchange system, and a red blood cell transport system;

    the red blood cell transport system being adapted and configured for transporting red blood cells through the gas exchange system and the oxygen level detector;

    the gas exchange system being adapted and configured to exchange gasses with the red blood cell;

    the oxygen level detector being adapted and configured for detecting oxygen levels in a red blood cell or in fluid surrounding a red blood cell; and

    a modular transport system;

    the modular transport system comprising a sampling apparatus, a pump, a diffusion apparatus, and a transparent optical system;

    the modular transport system being adapted and configured for reversibly coupling to a main body of the apparatus which comprises a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a pump motor, a measuring system, and a control system, wherein the measuring system measures a) an amount of oxygen inside of a red blood cell, b) an amount of oxygen outside of a red blood cell, or c) an amount of oxygen inside and outside of a red blood cell;

    the sampling apparatus being adapted and configured for introducing a fluid containing red blood cells into the red blood cell transport system;

    the pump being adapted and configured for moving a fluid containing red blood cells into and through the red blood cell transport system, and through the diffusion apparatus and the transparent optical system;

    the diffusion apparatus being adapted and configured for providing contact between a gas and a red blood cell; and

    the transparent optical system being adapted and configured for providing a generally transparent pathway for light to access the fluid containing red blood cells.

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