Calcification inside artificial hearts: inhibition by warfarin-sodium

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering
• Hematology

Background:

• Elastomeric blood pump sacs are used in mechanical circulatory support.
• Mineral deposition on implanted devices can lead to complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation of intracavitary calcium phosphate deposits on blood pump sacs.
• To determine the role of anticoagulation in preventing these deposits.

Main Methods:

• Implantation of smooth, elastomeric blood pump sacs in male calves for 115 to 166 days.
• Observation of mineral deposits on the flexing surfaces of the sacs.
• Comparison of sacs from calves treated with warfarin-sodium versus untreated calves.

Main Results:

• Significant calcium phosphate deposits were observed on blood pump sacs in untreated calves.
• Pump sacs remained largely free of mineral deposits in calves treated with warfarin-sodium for up to 150 days.
• Deposits predominantly occurred on the flexing surfaces of the sacs.

Conclusions:

• The formation of calcium phosphate deposits on elastomeric blood pump sacs appears to be linked to a vitamin K-dependent process.
• Warfarin-sodium treatment may mitigate mineral deposition on blood pump sacs.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms involved.