title: Investigating the functionality of diamond-like carbon films on an artificial heart diaphragm.
abstract: In this study, the authors used diamond-like carbon film to coat the ellipsoidal diaphragm (polyurethane elastomer) of artificial hearts. The purpose of such coatings is to prevent the penetration of hydraulic silicone oil and blood through the diaphragm. To attach diamond-like carbon film uniformly on the diaphragm, the authors developed a special electrode. In estimating the uniformity of the diamond-like carbon film, the thickness was measured using a scanning electron microscope, and the characteristics of the diamond-like carbon film was investigated using infrared spectroscopy, Ar-laser Raman spectrophotometer, and x-ray photoelectron spectrometer. Also, to estimate the penetration of silicone oil through the diaphragm, in vitro testing was operated by alternating the pressure of silicone oil for 20 days. The authors were able to successfully attach uniform deposition of diamond-like carbon film on the ellipsoidal diaphragm. In this in vitro test, diamond-like carbon film was proven to have good stability. The amount of silicone oil penetration was improved by one-third using the diamond-like carbon film coating compared with an uncoated diaphragm. It is expected that through the use of the diamond-like carbon film, the dynamic compatibility of an artificial heart diaphragm will increase.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Tokyo Denki University, Saitama, Japan.
authors.forename: Yasuharu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ohgoe
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takada
authors.forename: Kenji K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Hirakuri
authors.forename: Katsuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsuchimoto
authors.forename: Akihiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Homma
authors.forename: Toshinobu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Miyamatsu
authors.forename: Tomoyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saitou
authors.forename: Gernot
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Friedbacher
authors.forename: Eisuke
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tatsumi
authors.forename: Yoshiyuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Taenaka
authors.forename: Yasuhiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fukui
mesh_terms: D002244:Carbon; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D018130:Diamond; D004058:Diffusion; D004867:Equipment Design; D006354:Heart, Artificial; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009821:Oils; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D012825:Silicon; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009821:Oils; D002244:Carbon; D018130:Diamond; D012825:Silicon