A Personalized, 3D Printed Polymeric Device for the Prevention of Post-Myocardial Infarction Cardiac Remodeling

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Materials Science

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) can lead to life-threatening heart failure due to cardiac remodeling and dilatation.
• Patient-specific anatomy and pathophysiology necessitate custom-made cardiac restraint devices.
• Current treatments may not fully address the unique challenges post-MI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a personalized, 3D-printed cardiac restraint device (CARD) for restoring cardiac physiology post-MI.
• To prevent adverse cardiac remodeling and improve cardiac function.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of a custom-fit device using advanced imaging and printing technologies.

Main Methods:

• Developing novel printable ink molecules with a triblock structure (polypropylene oxide and polycaprolactone) for 3D printing.
• Utilizing CT and Echocardiography data for precise personalization of the CARD design.
• Fabricating and implanting the 3D-printed CARD in rat and swine myocardial infarction models.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed CARD successfully conformed to cardiac anatomy without compromising diastolic function in animal models.
• Improved hemodynamic profiles indicated enhanced left ventricular function and better fluid dynamics.
• No device-related mortality was observed, with secure device placement for 28 days.

Conclusions:

• An integrated approach of imaging, design, and 3D printing can create personalized cardiac restraint devices.
• The custom-made CARD shows potential for improving cardiac function and preventing remodeling after myocardial infarction.
• This technology offers a promising avenue for patient-specific cardiovascular treatment.