Calcification in Blood Pumps

Analysis and evaluation of a biomedical polycarbonate urethane tested in an in vitro study and an ovine arthroplasty model. Part I: materials selection and evaluation

“…A number of conflicting calcification reports have appeared in the literature. Some have implicated cellular interactions [57] and surface defects [58], while others have suggested that a cellular component is not required [59,60] as calcification deposits formed on smooth areas, but not on nearby defects [61].…”

Development and Current Status of a Total Artificial Heart

“…As survival increased to >I00 days, dystrophic calcification of the blood sac was noted for many different types of materials, resulting in stiffening, flexion failure, and perforation (18). Pierce et al (19) reported that warfarin sodium markedly reduced this process, possibly by blocking the formation of y-carboxyglutamic acid-containing proteins (19).…”

Poly(ether) Urethane Reactivity with Metal-Ion in Calcification and Environmental Stress Cracking

“…Harasaki has shown photomicrographs of crystalline calcium phosphate species in the body of red and white blood cells adherent to PEU surfaces [30]. This is conclusive evidence for a CA in degrading cells.…”

“…In chronic applications, however, evidence is now available which suggests that polyurethanes, as they are presently configured, may be subject to various cracking phenomena. Reports in 1981 of failures of poly(ether)urethane (PEU) pacemaker lead insulating coatings due to environmental stress cracking [4], cracking due to calcification in blood pump applications [5], and calcification of PEU heart valves [6] have led to recent investigations into PEU failure mechanisms.…”