Histological observation of the titanium mesh and application to the artificial heart system

Abstract

The titanium mesh has been applied to the EvaHeartTM and we have studied a tissue inducing electrode using it. In this study we studied histological characteristics of the titanium mesh for application to the artificial heart. The titanium mesh we used has diameter of 5 mm and thickness of 1.5 mm with an average pore size of 200 μm and 87% porosity. The titanium mesh whose one surface was covered with the silicone rubber was implanted under the skin of the rats, and it was extracted 12 weeks after implantation. The titanium mesh was filled with collagen, fibroblasts, but the connective tissue was not always good condition, because capillaries were localized around it and connective tissue may be out of range of oxygen supply. The titanium mesh is suitable material for application of the artificial heart system, but its thickness is important to ensure oxygen and sustenance supply.