Biomaterials for improving the blood and tissue compatibility of total artificial hearts (TAH) and ventricular assist devices (VAD)

Abstract

This chapter reviews biomaterials used for artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices. the chapter identifies some of the commercially available cardiac devices and the materials used within, stretching the most important polymers, metals and ceramics. It then discusses the interaction between blood/tissue and biomaterials and subsequently the way of refinement of biomaterials in order to achieve optimum performance. the chapter includes also the evaluation of biomaterials in terms of their blood and tissue compatibility and related international standards.