Effects of implantation on the mechanical properties of the polyurethane diaphragm of left ventricular assist devices.
Tensile properties of blood pump diaphragms made from a segmented polyether polyurethane (Toyobo TM5) were studied after implanting in goats for variable periods of time up to 72 days. The implantation decreased the tensile strength and ultimate elongation at break, while the elastic modulus increased very slightly. These changes in the strength and ductility were primarily caused by the contact of material with blood rather than by the mechanical fatigue of material. Mechanical stability was greatly improved by removing residual oligomers from the material by a refining procedure. The refined polyurethane has characteristics favourable for blood pump applications.
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006041:Goats; D006354:Heart, Artificial; D011140:Polyurethanes; D013718:Tensile Strength
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011140:Polyurethanes; C045686:Toyobo TM 5