Robotic right ventricle is a biohybrid platform that simulates right ventricular function in (patho)physiological conditions and intervention

Abstract

The increasing recognition of the right ventricle (RV) necessitates the development of RV-focused interventions, devices and testbeds. In this study, we developed a soft robotic model of the right heart that accurately mimics RV biomechanics and hemodynamics, including free wall, septal and valve motion. This model uses a biohybrid approach, combining a chemically treated endocardial scaffold with a soft robotic synthetic myocardium. When connected to a circulatory flow loop, the robotic right ventricle (RRV) replicates real-time hemodynamic changes in healthy and pathological conditions, including volume overload, RV systolic failure and pressure overload. The RRV also mimics clinical markers of RV dysfunction and is validated using an in vivo porcine model. Additionally, the RRV recreates chordae tension, simulating papillary muscle motion, and shows the potential for tricuspid valve repair and replacement in vitro. This work aims to provide a platform for developing tools for research and treatment for RV pathophysiology.

A patient-specific echogenic soft robotic left ventricle embedded into a closed-loop cardiovascular simulator for advanced device testing

“… 11 Some simulators employ soft robotics solutions to mimic the mechanical properties of anatomical sites. Singh et al 28 recreated the ventricular contraction by replacing the myocardium of an ex vivo pig heart with McKibben-style soft robotic actuators. While this setup achieves a good level of realism, the use of an animal heart restricts the simulation to non-patient-specific scenarios.…”