Abstract
In this study, heparinized hydrophilic polymer (heparinized polyurethan, H-USD) which has been developed for blood contacting surface was used.
This material has the property of low platelet adhesion and low fibrin deposition at lower shear rate.
Pneumatically driven sac-type blood pump with significant advantages in hemodynamics and durability has been designed. This pump was used as a LVAD for periods of one to 81 days in 24 beagle dogs in continuous pumping mode at a flow rate of 0.5-1.5l/min.
In a dog which survived for 81days, no anticoagulants was attemped for the whole surviving period.
This study suggested that left ventricular assist system with a pump fabricated with H-USD would be useful for the treatment of left ventricular failure, especially after open heart surgery, because this system can be used without anticoagulation with minimal thrombus formation on the blood contacting surface.
