Animal Experiment and Blood Biocompatibility Study of Polymer Valve / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

In vivo testings of the monoleaflet polymer valve were performed in seven dogs to prove its blood biocompatibility. The monoleaflet polymer valve used in this study was developed for short-term usage n the ventricular assist device. The frame and leaflet of the polymer valve were made of polyurethane. The inter-aortic valved conduit were implanted in four dogs and the ventriculo-atrial valved conduit was implanted in one dog. The ventricular assist devices with polymer valve were implanted in two dogs. The longest survival was 20 days. Main causes of death were bleeding and infection. To examine the blood compatibility, each blood sample was collected and RBC, WBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet and lactic acid dehydrogenase were analyzed. These studies thus far demonstrated that, with further development, a reliable and inexpensive polymer valve will be used in the ventricular assist device as short term usage.