MIT develops robotic right ventricle replica for heart research and treatment advancements

MIT researchers have developed a robotic replication of the human heart’s right ventricle, precisely imitating its blood-pumping functions. This innovation merges genuine heart tissue with synthetic artificial muscles, enabling controlled contractions while preserving the intricate structure of natural valves and heart components. It’s customizable to simulate healthy or diseased conditions like right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and myocardial infarction. The model also serves as a testing ground for cardiac devices, offering insights into how the ventricle responds to mechanical valves. The right ventricle’s susceptibility in intensive care units, particularly for patients on mechanical ventilation, motivates further research to prevent right heart failure. Ellen Roche, an MIT mechanical engineering department associate head, likens the right ventricle to a “ballerina,” highlighting its delicate yet intricate function. This innovative robotic model aims to enhance understanding and treatment strategies for right ventricle complexities, historically challenging for conventional diagnostic tools to analyze accurately.

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