Spectroscopic and Morphological Characterization of Inflow Cannulas of Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Despite the consistent clinical data on the positive effects of LVADs in the treatment of refractory heart failure, unfortunately these devices yet show some limitations such as the risk of stroke, infection and device malfunction. The complex interplay between blood and the foreign material has a major role in the occurrence of these complications and biocompatibility of the inflow cannula would be pivotal in these terms. In the present study we carried out an in-depth physicochemical characterization of two commercially available LVADs by means of field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectra. Our results show that, despite both pumps share the same physicochemical concepts, major differences can be identified in the surface nature, morphology and chemical composition of their inflow cannulas.