A microfluidic device for real-time on-demand intravenous oxygen delivery

Abstract

Significance The treatment of hypoxemia that is refractory to the current standard of care is time-sensitive and requires skilled caregivers and use of specialized equipment (e.g., extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Most patients experiencing refractory hypoxemia will suffer organ dysfunction, and death is common in this cohort. Here, we describe a new strategy to stabilize and support patients using a microfluidic device that administers oxygen gas directly to the bloodstream in real time and on demand using a process that we call sequential shear-induced bubble breakup. If successful, the described technology may help to avoid or decrease the incidence of ventilator-related lung injury from refractory hypoxemia.