A soft robotic total artificial hybrid heart

Abstract

End-stage heart failure is a deadly disease. Current total artificial hearts (TAHs) carry high mortality and morbidity and offer low quality of life. To overcome current biocompatibility issues, we propose the concept of a soft robotic, hybrid (pumping power comes from soft robotics, innerlining from the patient’s own cells) TAH. The device features a pneumatically driven actuator (septum) between two ventricles and is coated with supramolecular polymeric materials to promote anti-thrombotic and tissue engineering properties. In vitro, the Hybrid Heart pumps 5.7 L/min and mimics the native heart’s adaptive function. Proof-of-concept studies in rats and an acute goat model demonstrate the Hybrid Heart’s potential for clinical use and improved biocompatibility. This paper presents the first proof-of-concept of a soft, biocompatible TAH by providing a platform using soft robotics and tissue engineering to create new horizons in heart failure and transplantation medicine. End-stage heart failure remains a major clinical challenge with limited effective treatments. Here, the authors present a concept for a soft robotic total artificial heart with a biocompatible inner lining that shows native-like functions