Permeation of silicone oil through a diaphragm in an electrohydraulic ventricular assist system

This study was designed to investigate the permeation of silicone oil through a pump diaphragm made of Pellethane in the authors' electrohydraulic ventricular assist system (EHVAS) and to evaluate influences on organ function. The permeability of the diaphragm to silicone oil was investigated by in vitro experiments. Influences on organ function were evaluated in five goats with an EHVAS by monitoring serum silicon levels (SSi), blood chemical parameters, and histologic findings. Elevation of silicone oil levels in Pellethane sheets immersed in silicone oil demonstrated that the Pellethane diaphragm was, in fact, permeable to silicone oil. The permeation rate of silicone oil was calculated to be 1.75 ml/year in the authors' EHVAS from the data of a diffusion apparatus test. Serum silicon levels did not increase during the EHVAS pumping, and renal and hepatic function were not affected. No abnormality or deposit suggestive of silicone oil was observed. However, the problem of permeation of silicone oil through the pump diaphragm must be solved to allow for a circulatory assist device for long-term use.