In Vitro Durability - Pivot bearing with Diamond Like Carbon for Ventricular Assist Devices

TL;DR

This study evaluates the durability of a diamond-like carbon coating on pivot bearings used in ventricular assist devices, demonstrating improved wear resistance under simulated operational conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a DLC coating applied via chemical vapor deposition to enhance the wear resistance of pivot bearings in VADs, with comparative testing showing reduced deformation.

Findings

DLC coating reduces abrasive wear on pivot bearings

Coated pivots show less deformation than uncoated ones

Chemical vapor deposition effectively applies durable DLC films

Abstract

Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology (IDPC) develops Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) that can stabilize the hemodynamics of patients with severe heart failure before, during and/or after the medical practice; can be temporary or permanent. The ADV's centrifugal basically consist of a rotor suspended for system pivoting bearing; the PIVOT is the axis with movement of rotational and the bearing is the bearing surface. As a whole system of an implantable VAD should be made of long-life biomaterial so that there is no degradation or deformation during application time; surface modification techniques have been widely studied and implemented to improve properties such as biocompatibility and durability of applicable materials. The Chemical Vapour Deposition technique allows substrates having melting point higher than 300 {\deg}C to be coated, encapsulated, with a diamond like carbon film (DLC); The test simulated the actual conditions in which the system of support remains while applying a ADV. The results have been prepared on a comparative basis; where you select the pivoting assembly which showed less deformation by abrasive wear.