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A Soft Total Artificial Heart-First Concept Evaluation on a Hybrid Mock Circulation
Nicholas H Cohrs1, Anastasios Petrou2, Michael Loepfe1
1Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Artificial Organs
|July 11, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D-printed soft total artificial heart (sTAH) using silicone. This innovative sTAH achieved significant blood flow and pressure, showing promise for future heart replacement therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- 3D-printing enables complex soft pump fabrication.
- Development of artificial hearts is crucial for end-stage heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel soft total artificial heart (sTAH) concept.
- To evaluate the performance of a 3D-printed sTAH.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D-printing and lost-wax casting for sTAH fabrication from silicone elastomers.
- Assessed sTAH performance on a hybrid mock circulation.
- Defined diastolic properties and evaluated under various physiological conditions.
Main Results:
- Achieved 2.2 L/min blood flow against 1.11 mm Hg s/mL afterload at 80 bpm.
- Measured mean pulmonary venous pressure (preload) of 10 mm Hg.
- Recorded aortic pulse pressure of 35 mm Hg and mean aortic pressure of 48 mm Hg, with physiologically shaped flow and pressure signals.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-printed soft total artificial heart demonstrates promising potential for cardiac replacement.
- Further research is needed to enhance blood flow and aortic pressure capabilities.
