The possibility of polyoxymethylene (POM) as heart valve leaflet material was investigated by comparing the hemocompatibility with that of 316L stainless steel and low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon (LTIC). Surface hydrophobicity was characterized by water contact angle measurement.Platelet adhesion, APTT/PT/TT and hemolysis rate tests were applied for evaluating hemocompatibility. The results showed that POM was hydrophobic and had a low hemolytic rate, adhesion amount and activation degree of platelets on POM surface were less than 316L stainless steel, and was similar to LTIC. This research pointed out potential application of POM as heart valve leaflets.
