Design of a Soft Robotic Artificial Cardiac Wall

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Engineering
• Soft Robotics
• Biomedical Devices

Background:

• Soft robotic technologies offer new possibilities for implantable cardiac devices, mimicking complex biological functions.
• Current assistive devices and total artificial hearts face challenges in functionality, hemocompatibility, and implantability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a soft robotic artificial cardiac wall.
• To explore the potential of bioinspired designs for artificial cardiac pumps.

Main Methods:

• A novel design coupling pneumatic McKibben actuators in a double helix with a deformable silicone endocardial layer.
• Utilized a simplified analytical model to study the correlation between actuator helix angle and ejection fraction.
• Employed Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling to analyze endocardial layer deformation.

Main Results:

• Experimental tests demonstrated a functional artificial cardiac wall.
• Achieved an ejection fraction of 68% (77.2 ± 0.4 mL against 90 mmHg).
• The results satisfy minimum physiological requirements for cardiac support.

Conclusions:

• The developed soft robotic cardiac wall shows promise for a new generation of artificial cardiac pumps.
• Engineered bioinspiration is highlighted as a key strategy for future cardiac support or replacement devices.
• The device concept proves functional and meets physiological standards.