Arfaee et al. present the first proof of concept of a soft robotic total artificial hybrid heart (Hybrid Heart) designed to overcome the limitations of current total artificial hearts (TAHs). This device integrates soft pneumatic actuation with a tissue-engineerable, heparin-functionalized supramolecular inner lining, aiming to improve biocompatibility and hemocompatibility while mimicking physiological pulsatile flow. In vitro, the Hybrid Heart achieved a cardiac output of 5.7 L/min with preload sensitivity and laminar flow patterns. Acute goat implantation demonstrated full cardiac support for 50 minutes, with a mean aortic pressure of 49 mmHg and a stroke volume of approximately 35 mL. Wire-based contraction mechanics allow ventricular output balancing, and a wireless transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) concept was explored to eliminate percutaneous drivelines. While currently limited to short-term function and pneumatic actuation, this platform represents a new generation of biomimetic TAHs that could ultimately serve as destination therapy for end-stage heart failure.
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A Soft Robotic Total Artificial Hybrid Heart
Submitted by: Vincent Sier
Source: Nature Communications
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Author(s): Maziar Arfaee, Annemijn Vis, Paul A. A. Bartels, Lucas C. van Laake, Lucrezia Lorenzon, Dina M. Ibrahim, Debora Zrinscak, Anthal I. P. M. Smits, Andreas Henseler, Matteo Cianchetti, Patricia Y. W. Dankers, Carlijn V. C. Bouten, Johannes T. B. Overvelde, Jolanda Kluin
