The publication presents experimental verification of a mathematical model of silver nanowire (AgNWs) fabrication in a continuous flow process in a helical tubular reactor. Silver nanowires were synthesised with a polyol process, with ethylene glycol as the reductant of the nanomaterial precursor and solvent of the reactants. The observed average diameters and lengths of AgNWs were 98-226 nm and 5-45 μm, respectively. The experimental conversions of the precursor were 0.71-0.90. A comparison of calculated and measured conversions for the investigated range of residence times and temperatures showed that the observed error was less than 20%.

This paper presents the concept and methodology for the designing of a “tree-shaped” production line. The concept is a result of the search for production unit organization that meets the Lean Production assumptions, i.e. focusing on lead time (throughput time) shortening with simultaneous ability of use in conditions of varied product range. The varied product range characterized by lower technological-organizational similarity when compared to “Ushaped” units typical for Lean Production. The paper presents an algorithm for the designing of a “tree-shaped” production line and examples of its application. The designed unit underwent evaluation according to the criteria preferred by Lean Manufacturing experts. The designed production unit achieved results confirming the effectiveness of the proposed concept for the analysed sets of input data on the product range and production capacities.

T h e a i m: The aim of the study is to present the initial experience with continuous flow left ventricle assist device (CF-LVAD) in pediatric patients with BSA below 1.5 m2.

M a t e ri a l a n d M e t h o d s: Between 2016 and 2017, CF-LVAD (the Heartware System) have been implanted in three pediatric patients in the Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. The indications for initiating CF-LVAD were end-stage congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy in all children.

R e s u l t s: Implanted patients have had BSA of 1.09, 1.42, 1.2 m2, and 37, 34, 34 kg of body weight and the age 12, 11, 12 years, respectively. The time of support was 550 days in two patients and 127 in another one, and is ongoing. The main complication has been driveline infection.

C o n c l u s i o n: The outcomes from our single-center experience using the HeartWare CF-LVAD have been excellent with a low incidence of complication and no necessity to reoperation in our patients. Children could be successfully and safely discharged home.