title: Ultraviolet Radiation Affects Thoratec HeartMate II Driveline Mechanical Properties: A Pilot Experiment.
abstract: Longevity and quality of life for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients are plagued by driveline exit site infections. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a current treatment in wound healing clinics, could potentially treat LVAD exit site infections. However, the effect of UV radiation on the tensile properties of HeartMate II (HMII) driveline material is unknown. The sleeve of a single HMII driveline was distributed into six exposure groups (n = 10/group). The six groups were further divided into two treatment cohorts designed to replicate wound treatment schedules of postimplant LVAD patients. Strip biaxial tensile tests were performed on both unexposed and exposed samples to analyze changes in material elasticity (Young's modulus), point of deformation (yield strength), and breaking point. Our data suggest that UV exposure changes the elasticity of the HMII driveline. However, the material endured aberrantly large forces and the properties remained within the safety threshold of device performance. This study warrants further examination of the effect of UV light on driveline material, to determine safety, reliability, and efficacy of UV treatment on exit site infections.
authors.affiliation: From the Artificial Heart Program, Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.
authors.forename: Annicka C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: G Andrew
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Sean P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: McCandless
authors.forename: Sandi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stoker
authors.forename: Dylan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Bruce B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Benjamin D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Horne
authors.forename: Kia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Afshar
authors.forename: Abdallah G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Kfoury
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D008422:Materials Testing; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D012828:Silicones / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014025:Titanium / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D012828:Silicones; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium