Hybrid membranes for blood-contacting surfaces: preliminary characterization

The hemocompatibility of any mechanical circulatory support device is mostly conditioned by the nature of the blood-contacting surface. Hybrid membranes as the inner surfaces of the artificial ventricle were produced by coupling a polymeric material (polycarbonate urethane) with decellularized biological tissues (animal pericardia). Physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of the hybrid membranes were carefully evaluated confirming satisfactory features in terms of composition and mechanical resistance.