Soft robotics-enabled large animal model of HFpEF hemodynamics for device testing

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) affects 50% of heart failure cases, with high mortality and no FDA-approved therapies.
• Current limitations in HFpEF research stem from the lack of effective in vivo models for hemodynamic evaluation.
• Existing models often suffer from poor hemodynamic fidelity, high costs, and lengthy development times.

Approach:

• Developed a highly tunable porcine model of HFpEF hemodynamics using implantable soft robotic sleeves.
• Controlled actuation of left ventricular and aortic sleeves to mimic HFpEF-related changes in ventricular compliance and afterload.
• Demonstrated model feasibility through preclinical testing of an interatrial shunt device.

Key Points:

• The soft robotic sleeve model successfully recapitulates diverse HFpEF hemodynamic phenotypes.
• Preclinical testing showed hemodynamic responses consistent with in silico and clinical trial data.
• This model offers superior versatility, tunability, and throughput compared to previous HFpEF models.

Conclusions:

• The developed porcine model addresses critical limitations in HFpEF research and device development.
• This platform has the potential to significantly advance the development and selection of medical devices for HFpEF.
• The goal is to improve the quality of life for the 32 million individuals worldwide living with HFpEF.