Development and clinical application of a portable oxygen concentrator
Akutsu, T.; Ishihara, J.; Wakai, Y.; Watanabe, T.; Yamaguchi, M.; Takubo, T.; Yoshino, K.; Konno, K.; Takizawa, T.
Frontiers of Medical and Biological Engineering the International Journal of the Japan Society of Medical Electronics and Biological Engineering 2(4): 293-301
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0921-3775 PMID: 2081152 Document Number: 367201
We have produced a compact, lightweight oxygen concentrator, using a newly-developed polymer of poly [1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne] with a performance, i.e. oxygen permeability, of 61 .times. 10 cm-3 (STP) cm/cm2 cmHg, which is 17 times higher than that of the membrane material of conventional concentrations. The oxygen and nitrogen selectively was 1.80. The dimensions of the apparatus are 325 .times. 180 .times. 150 mm and it weighs about 4.0 kg. It is actuated by a battery (DC 12 V, 5.6 Ah), with a 100 V AC source and a car battery (12 V) source also available. The power consumption is 70 W. The generated oxygen concentration is about 30%, and the maximum flow rate is 4 1/min. Applying 10 samples of various chronic pulmonary diseases to the subject, the suction of oxygen from the apparatus in the patients' rest state was conducted. An increase in the PaO2, from an average of 59.1 Torr before the suction to an average of 68.5 Torr after the suction, together with easing of breathing, was indicated. The usefulness of this apparatus for supplying portable oxygen-treatment to patients with chronic respiratory disease is shown.