Scientists have created using a 3D printer artificial heart

The prototype reproduces the work of a true heart.

Scientists from ETH Zurich (Switzerland) created using a 3D printer the world’s first soft artificial heart.
This is reported in the journal Artificial Organs.

“The authors have produced the method of investment casting (lost-wax casting): printed mold, which is then placed in liquid silicone. The volume of the prototype amounted to 679 cubic centimeters, weight – 390 grams (average values – 253 and 332 grams in women and men respectively). Despite the greater weight, the structure of the artificial organ is consistent with this: it consists of the left and right chambers with valves, from which depart the tube, playing the role of the aorta, upper Vena cava, inferior Vena cava and pulmonary veins. Pumping of fluid, and the reduction provided by air pumps”, – stated in the message.

In the framework of tests, scientists simulated different load levels: at a frequency of 80 beats per minute the implant is passed a fluid (its viscosity was close to that of blood) at a rate of 2.2 liters per minute (about half that needed).

Average pulse pressure in the aorta – the difference between the systolic push, and diastolic – when it reached 48 mm Hg, which is consistent with the target value (30-50 mm Hg). Thus, the prototype is fully reproduced the work of a true heart.

But because of the material used and it was short-lived: in conditions close to real, the implant was kept about three thousand cuts – less than an hour. However, according to the authors, the experiment points to a promising technology. In the near future they will continue to improve the method for extending the service life of the device.

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