Serum silicon levels in recipients of an electrohydraulic ventricular assist system

This study was designed to determine the permeation rate of silicon oil from the authors' electrohydraulic ventricular assist system (EHVAS), and to evaluate influences on organ function. The permeation rate through the diaphragm of the EHVAS was determined by in vitro experiments. Influences on organ function were evaluated in three goats with EHVAS by monitoring blood chemical parameters and serum silicon levels (S-Si). The permeation rate from the EHVAS was about 0.2 ml/month, calculated from the data obtained in the in vitro experiments. S-Si levels did not increase during chronic animal implantation, and renal and hepatic function were not affected. The permeation rate through the diaphragm must, however, be taken into consideration.