Plasma surface modification of biomaterials applied for cardiovascular devices

Summary form only given, as follows. In this paper we describe some applications of plasma processes developed in our laboratory such as plasma grafting, films synthesis, and plasma based ion implantation, to modify biomaterials and cardiovascular devices. Titanium oxide films were synthesized by different processes such as DC metal plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition and by magnetron sputtering. Diamond-like carbon films were fabricated by pulsed metal arc plasma and by hydrocarbon gas plasma immersion ion implantation. Acetylene ion implantation into polyurethane and plasma grafting of polyethylene glycol with different molecular weight on polyethylene terephthalate films was also performed. Heparin and albumin grafting was carried out on polymers by means of plasma pretreatment. Significant improvement was found in the blood compatibility of cardiovascular devices and components such as artificial heart valves´ sew, cage and leaflets, and vascular stents. We also discuss further development of the research.