(1) Background: The evaluation of ventricular assist devices requires the usage of biocompatible and chemically stable materials. The commonly used polyurethanes are characterized by versatile properties making them well suited for heart prostheses applications, but simultaneously they show low stability in biological environments. (2) Methods: An innovative material-copolymer of poly(ethylene-terephthalate) and dimer linoleic acid-with controlled and reproducible physico-mechanical and biological properties was developed for medical applications. Biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, surface thrombogenicity, hemolysis, and biodegradation) were evaluated. All results were compared to medical grade polyurethane currently used in the extracorporeal heart prostheses. (3) Results: No cytotoxicity was observed and no significant decrease of cells density as well as no cells growth reduction was noticed. Thrombogenicity analysis showed that the investigated copolymers have the thrombogenicity potential similar to medical grade polyurethane. No hemolysis was observed (the hemolytic index was under 2% according to ASTM 756-00 standard). These new materials revealed excellent chemical stability in simulated body fluid during 180 days aging. (4) Conclusions: The biodegradation analysis showed no changes in chemical structure, molecular weight distribution, good thermal stability, and no changes in surface morphology. Investigated copolymers revealed excellent biocompatibility and great potential as materials for blood contacting devices.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym12122857 | DOI Listing |
JACC Heart Fail
January 2025
Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague, Czech Republic. Electronic address:
Background: Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is associated with appetite-suppressing effects and weight loss in patients with malignancy.
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationships between GDF-15 levels, anorexia, cachexia, and clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Methods: In this observational, retrospective analysis, a total of 344 patients with advanced HFrEF (age 58 ± 10 years, 85% male, 67% NYHA functional class III), underwent clinical and echocardiographic examination, body composition evaluation by skinfolds and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, circulating metabolite assessment, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and right heart catheterization.
J Am Geriatr Soc
January 2025
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Background: Community mobility is a vital patient-centered outcome for older adults living in the community. These deficits in mobility are linked to social isolation, increased hospitalizations, and higher mortality rates. Impaired pulmonary function may be a modifiable risk factor for mobility decline, with existing inequities in lung health potentially contributing disproportionately to mobility loss among Black older adults.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVet Surg
January 2025
College of Veterinary Medicine, Hixson- Lied Small Animal Hospital, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
Objective: To report the technique and outcomes of utilizing chest wall lift to perform thoracoscopic surgery in two cats.
Study Design: Short case series.
Animals: Client-owned cats (n = 2).
Artif Organs
January 2025
Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cardiology Rehabilitation Unit of Gattico-Veruno Institute, Gattico-Veruno, Italy.
Background: Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation is an important treatment option for patients with advanced CHF. Referral to an early, intensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program in these patients seems still underused. This observational descriptive study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an early intensive CR program in LVAD recipients, also comparing results with a matched group of advanced HFrEF patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArtif Organs
January 2025
BioCirc Research Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background: Safe and effective pediatric blood pumps continue to lag far behind those developed for adults. To address this growing unmet clinical need, we are developing a hybrid, continuous-flow, magnetically levitated, pediatric total artificial heart (TAH). Our hybrid TAH design, the Dragon Heart (DH), integrates both an axial flow and centrifugal flow blood pump within a single, compact housing.
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