Lithium-ion batteries based on single-crystal LiNi Co Mn O (NCM, 1-x-y ≥ 0.6) cathode materials are gaining increasing attention due to their improved structural stability resulting in superior cycle life compared to batteries based on polycrystalline NCM. However, an in-depth understanding of the less pronounced degradation mechanism of single-crystal NCM is still lacking.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Appl Mater Interfaces
December 2018
Using an epitaxial thin-film model system deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), we study the Li-ion conductivity in LiTiO, a common anode material for Li-ion batteries. Epitaxy, phase purity, and film composition across the film thickness are verified employing out-of-plane and in-plane X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and elastic recoil detection analysis. We find that epitaxial LiTiO behaves like an ideal ionic conductor that is well described by a parallel RC equivalent circuit, with an ionic conductivity of 2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMore patients with end-stage heart failure are now being supported by left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) as a bridge to heart transplant. The LVAD unloads the failing heart and modifies the myocardial structure, with regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. The regression of hypertrophy has been reported histomorphologically in paired samples of myocardial tissues obtained from the same patient at the time of LVAD implantation and the heart excised at transplant.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: A multicentric European Clinical Study is ongoing to evaluate safety and efficacy of a new pulsatile implantable LVAD (BestBeat), smaller and lighter than similar devices, capable of providing synchronous and counterpulsating flow with respect to the LV of end-stage heart failure patients. Preliminary clinical results are reported.
Methods: The new BestBeat LVAD was used, consisting of an implantable pulsatile blood pump, electromechanically driven by a ball screw mechanism, and a wearable electronic controller and power sources.
Background: A minimally invasive approach through an upper ministernotomy (UMS) has been used in our Division since 1997. On the basis of favorable outcome we have gradually extended this approach from isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) to more complex cardiac surgery procedures and it is currently our first choice for a variety of procedures. Here we report our 11 years experience.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The aim of the present study is to describe our preliminary experience with the Arrow CorAide left ventricular assist system (LVAS).
Description: The Arrow CorAide LVAS is a small implantable, continuous flow centrifugal pump, with a fully suspended rotating assembly, intended as a bridge to transplant device, bridge to recovery, and for long-term use.
Evaluation: Since April 2005 we have implanted the CorAide LVAS in 2 male patients, with a patient follow-up of more than 6 months.