Pyrolitic carbons, blood-compatible

Carbons exhibit excellent compatibility with tissue. Compatibility of pyrolitic carbon-coated devices with blood have resulted in extensive use of these devices for repairing diseased heart valves and blood vessels [Park and Lakes, 1992]. 

Recently, success was achieved in depositing pyrolitic carbon onto the surfaces of blood vessel implants made of polymers. This type of carbon is called ultra low temperature isotropic (ULTI) carbon instead of low temperature isotropic (LTI) carbon. The deposited carbon has excellent compatibility with blood and is thin enough not to interfere with the flexibility of the grafts [Park and Lakes, 1992]. 

LTI carbon A silicon alloyed pyrolitic carbon deposited onto a substrate at low temperature with isotropic crystal morphology. It is highly compatible with blood and used for cardiovascular implant fabrication such as artificial heart valve. 

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