Cardiovascular materials

MRC has evaluated the effect of fatigue testing of candidate cardiovascular materials in human blood versus fatigue testing in air and saline - all at 37°C (Figures 5 and 6). Whole human blood was chosen as one of the mediums for testing at 37°C, in spite of the difficulties associated with this testing. 

Essentially all the TAH devices have used the PEUU materials (53. 54). but some other materials such as biolized poly(l,4-hexadiene) show promise (31). In the past, polysilicones, natural rubber, plasticized poly(vlnyl chloride), and other polymers were tried but were generally considered too thrombogenic or too weak. Better materials most likely will be developed in the future because much research work is in progress in the general area of cardiovascular materials. The lack of patient mobility probably poses the greatest difficulty for the present TAH devices. No doubt portable pumps will be developed, and perhaps implantable, and electrically powered devices (using rechargeable batteries) will be developed. Polymers will most likely be used in these developments as well. 

Hastings, G.W., ed. Cardiovascular Materials. London Springer-Verlag, 1991. 

QiP, MaitzMF, Huang N. Surface modification of cardiovascular materials and implants. Surf Coat Technol 2013 233 80-90. 

The Biocompatibility and Biostability of New Cardiovascular Materials and Devices 4012 TaigetTip ... 

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