US-based medical technology company Medtronic has secured US marketing rights for its Affinity Fusion oxygenation system following the regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The CE-marked system, which serves as temporary lungs, is designed for use during open-heart surgical procedures that require a bloodless and motionless surgical field.
The device features a new proprietary fibre winding process with an interlaced pattern that filters the blood for removing carbon dioxide, air bubbles while adding oxygen.
It also includes smooth tubular pathways and curved venous inlet tube for reducing blood turbulence during the surgical procedure.
A new oxygenator system holder embedded in the device also provides perfusionists with improved flexibility and ease of use in various operating rooms including those with limited space, claims the company.
Medtronic structural heart division senior vice president, president and cardiac surgeon Dr John Liddicoat said the device provides patients undergoing cardiac surgery with a oxygenation system that proactively manages air and gently handles blood.
"This is an important consideration for hospitals that are focused on implementing patient blood management programs and other initiatives that can impact costs associated with transfusions and post-operative complications," Liddicoat added.
