A soft robotic total artificial hybrid heart

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DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60372-6
Reference M. Arfaee, A. Vis, P.A.A. Bartels, L.C. van Laake, L. Lorenzon, D.M. Ibrahim, D. Zrinscak, I.P.M. Smits, A. Henseler, M. Cianchetti, P.Y.W. Dankers, C.V.C. Bouten, J.T.B. Overvelde and J. Kluin, A soft robotic total artificial hybrid heart, Nat. Commun. 16, (1), 5146: 1-14 (2025)
Group Soft Robotic Matter

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.