Heart Wrap Fabric that Beats Your Heart for You
A new fabric-like device offers a way to assist a beating heart; give it a little squeeze. The device wraps around the heart and when help is needed it contracts to help th heart pump with more vigor. Current methods of heart assist devices focus on pumping blood external to the heart. An LVAD for example uses a incision in the bottom of the heart to siphon blood and pump it to the aorta, taking some strain off of the heart. While these methods have been successful at prolonging life, anti-clotting therapy is a lifelong reality for these patients.
The new device was developed at the University of Leeds. it consists of a webbing that wraps around the heart, removing actual contact with the bloodstream. It functions only when necessary through sensors that recognise when the heart needs to beat with more force and contract the webbing, kind of like a gentle, more effective CPR.
“It’s a really simple concept that works in the same way as when you squeeze a plastic bottle, forcing the liquid inside to rise,” says David Keeling, a student involved in the physical testing of the apparatus. While currently only a prototype stage, computer calculations have shown simulations under different conditions and results look promising. "Our device also allows for a controlled relaxation of the heart muscle after contraction, which means that it’s being supported throughout the whole heartbeat process", David says, "It’s the same as when you pull a muscle in any other part of your body, rest can often be the best therapy."
Nick Sears
04/20/08
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/15/intelligent-cardiac-assist-fabric-beats-your-heart-for-you/
The new device was developed at the University of Leeds. it consists of a webbing that wraps around the heart, removing actual contact with the bloodstream. It functions only when necessary through sensors that recognise when the heart needs to beat with more force and contract the webbing, kind of like a gentle, more effective CPR.
“It’s a really simple concept that works in the same way as when you squeeze a plastic bottle, forcing the liquid inside to rise,” says David Keeling, a student involved in the physical testing of the apparatus. While currently only a prototype stage, computer calculations have shown simulations under different conditions and results look promising. "Our device also allows for a controlled relaxation of the heart muscle after contraction, which means that it’s being supported throughout the whole heartbeat process", David says, "It’s the same as when you pull a muscle in any other part of your body, rest can often be the best therapy."
Nick Sears
04/20/08
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/15/intelligent-cardiac-assist-fabric-beats-your-heart-for-you/
posted by NSears at 12:09 PM
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