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A soft robotic total artificial hybrid heart

Author

Listed:
  • Maziar Arfaee

    (Erasmus MC Rotterdam
    Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam)

  • Annemijn Vis

    (Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam)

  • Paul A. A. Bartels

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Lucas C. Laake

    (AMOLF)

  • Lucrezia Lorenzon

    (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)

  • Dina M. Ibrahim

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Debora Zrinscak

    (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)

  • Anthal I. P. M. Smits

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Andreas Henseler

    (Evos GMBH)

  • Matteo Cianchetti

    (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)

  • Patricia Y. W. Dankers

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Eindhoven University of Technology
    Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Carlijn V. C. Bouten

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Johannes T. B. Overvelde

    (AMOLF)

  • Jolanda Kluin

    (Erasmus MC Rotterdam)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Maziar Arfaee & Annemijn Vis & Paul A. A. Bartels & Lucas C. Laake & Lucrezia Lorenzon & Dina M. Ibrahim & Debora Zrinscak & Anthal I. P. M. Smits & Andreas Henseler & Matteo Cianchetti & Patricia Y. , 2025. "A soft robotic total artificial hybrid heart," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60372-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60372-6
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