title: Investigation of materials for blood-immersed bearings in a microaxial blood pump.
abstract: Rotary blood pumps are gaining popularity among cardiothoracic surgeons. This article presents an in vitro investigation for choosing a suitable mechanical bearing system in a medium-long term microaxial pump. Different metallic, polymeric, and ceramic components are introduced. Polymers displayed mechanical insufficiency for the application, whereas certain ceramics displayed an inconsistent pattern of failure. We are in search of a compromise in properties that would favor a durable material combination.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Engineering Group, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Pauwelsstrasse 20, 3-52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mahmood
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kerkhoffs
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Reul
mesh_terms: D002516:Ceramics; D004867:Equipment Design; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008670:Metals; D011108:Polymers
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D011108:Polymers