Spectroscopic and morphological characterization of inflow cannulas of left ventricular assist devices.
Despite the consistent clinical data on the positive effects of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in the treatment of refractory heart failure, unfortunately these devices yet show some limitations such as the risk of stroke, infection, and device malfunction. The complex interplay between blood and the foreign material has a major role in the occurrence of these complications and biocompatibility of the inflow cannula would be pivotal in these terms. In this study, we carried out an in-depth physicochemical characterization of two commercially available LVADs by means of field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and X-ray photoelectron spectra. Our results show that, despite both pumps share the same physicochemical concepts, major differences can be identified in the surface nature, morphology, and chemical composition of their inflow cannulas.
From the *Department of Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, Vita-Salute University and INSTM UdR of the San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy; †Department of Chemistry, University of Catania and INSTM UdR of Catania, Catania, Italy; and ‡Department of Cardiac Surgery, San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy.
Federico
F
Pappalardo
Domenico A
DA
Cristaldi
Ignazio L
IL
Fragalà
Salvatrice
S
Millesi
Michele
M
De Bonis
Antonino
A
Gulino
D057785:Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D013499:Surface Properties
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible