title: Zaria universal oxygenator holder phase I.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery requires the use of equipment and devices like the oxygenator. The oxygenator comes in different makes and each manufacturer customizes the carrier or 'holder' of this device specific to their design.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper presents an innovation designed to overcome the need to purchase a different holder for every oxygenator thereby cutting the cost.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sheet of iron measuring 1.9 cm (width) × 0.1 cm (thickness) was used to design the holder circular main frame. Another sheet measuring 2 cm (width) × 0.6 cm (thickness) × 24 cm (length) was used to construct a V-shaped handle with the arms of the V attached to the main frame 7 cm apart. At the narrow base of the handle is a latch requiring two 13-gauge screws to attach the holder to the heart-lung machine. Within the circumference of the main frame are four T-shaped side arms which grip the oxygenator; located at 2, 5, 7 and 11 O'clock positions. The stem of the T consist of a 0.6 cm (thickness) × 13 cm (length) rod drilled through the main frame. The cross of the T consists of variable lengths of the same sheet as the mainframe attached to the stem by a screw mechanism. At the base of the T, is attached a circular handle (4 cm in diameter) made of 0.4 cm iron rod.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An oxygenator holder which weighs 1.75 kg with a total length of 54 cm (the diameter of the mainframe is 30 cm). Its advantages include (i) affordability, (ii) materials are locally accessible, (iii) versatility (iv) reproducibility. The disadvantages include, (i) it requires some time to fit, (ii) caution is required in fitting the oxygenator to avoid breakage, (iii) a spanner is required to lock the latch.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The concept of a universal holder is pertinent, especially in resource poor environments to avoid purchasing a new holder whenever the usual oxygenator common to the centre is unavailable. This device is amenable to further modifications to meet the unforeseen challenges.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University/ABU Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Sunday Adoga
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Edaigbini
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University/ABU Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ibrahim Zira
authors.initials: IZ
authors.lastname: Delia
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University/ABU Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Muhammad Balarabe
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Aminu
keywords: Holder; innovation; oxygenator; universal