Cardiovascular Device Biocompatibility
Over the past decade researchers
have evaluated the blood
biocompatibility of a variety of cardiovascular devices, most
prominently ventricular assist devices and oxygenators, in clinical
and pre-clinical testing. Work in this area continues with an
emphasis on developing new assays and tools to assess the mechanisms
of thrombosis and thromboembolism in these devices with consideration
of the surface, blood status, and device flow path. Researchers
are also working to develop and evaluate new surface treatments
to improve cardiovascular device performance and to widen design
options for blood contacting devices.
A high-shear couette flow device, such as that shown above, is used to study platelet activation or this project. With blood collection ports are placed just proximally and distally to the rotor, the rotor of this device can achieve up to 10,000 RPM.