RESTORING CARDIAC MECHANICAL FUNCTION BY POLYMERIC ARTIFICIAL MUSCULAR TISSUE
Artificial muscle for the implementation of cardiac contraction assist devices
Current medical or surgical treatments cannot restore muscular contractility in heart failure and atrial fibrillation, the most common and serious cardiac diseases. A revolutionary approach would be to use smart materials to support or restore cardiac mechanical function. The EU-funded REPAIR project aims to explore and consolidate a new approach in cardiac contraction assistance. Researchers will develop biomimetic contractile units made from a liquid crystalline elastomer. The project prototypes will pave the way for new biomedical technologies that will lead to enhanced life quality and survival.