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Electromechanical cardioplasty using a wrapped elasto-conductive epicardial mesh
Jinkyung Park1, Suji Choi2, Ajit H Janardhan3
1Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea. Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16229, Republic of Korea.
Science Translational Medicine
|June 24, 2016
Summary
A novel epicardial mesh restores heart function after myocardial infarction. This conductive, elastic device mimics cardiac tissue, improving electrical conduction and mechanical performance for heart failure treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Heart failure presents a significant public health challenge with high mortality rates.
- Myocardial disease in heart failure often involves impaired electrical conduction and heart muscle function.
- Current treatments for heart failure have limitations in addressing both electrical and mechanical deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an epicardial mesh for electromechanical cardioplasty.
- To create a device that mimics native cardiac tissue's electrical and mechanical properties.
- To assess the efficacy of the epicardial mesh in improving cardiac function post-myocardial infarction.
Main Methods:
- An electrically conductive and mechanically elastic epicardial mesh was designed to integrate with the heart.
- The device's elastic properties were matched to native epicardial tissue.
- Performance was evaluated on rat models with induced myocardial infarction, assessing electrical signal detection, mechanical integration, and functional improvements.
Main Results:
- The epicardial mesh reliably detected electrical signals on a beating heart without hindering diastolic function.
- Synchronized ventricular stimulation by the mesh reduced activation time and wall stress.
- Significant improvements in systolic function were observed, including increased fractional shortening, radial strain, and contractility.
- The mesh successfully terminated ventricular tachyarrhythmia in rodent models.
Conclusions:
- Epicardial mesh technology offers a promising new approach for electromechanical cardioplasty.
- This bio-inspired device can reconstruct cardiac tissue function, addressing both electrical and mechanical abnormalities.
- Electromechanical cardioplasty represents a novel therapeutic pathway for heart failure management.
