A novel soft cardiac assist device based on a dielectric elastomer augmented aorta: An in vivo study

Abstract

Although heart transplant is the preferred solution for patients suffering from heart failures, cardiac assist devices remain key substitute therapies. Among them, aortic augmentation using dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) might be an alternative technological application for the future. The electrically driven actuator does not require bulky pneumatic elements (such as conventional intra-aortic balloon pumps) and conforms tightly to the aorta thanks to the manufacturing method presented here. In this study, the proposed DEA-based device replaces a section of the aorta and acts as a counterpulsation device. The feasibility and validation of in vivo implantation of the device into the descending aorta in a porcine model, and the level of support provided to the heart are investigated. Additionally, the influence of the activation profile and delay compared to the start of systole is studied. We demonstrate that an activation of the DEA just before the start of systole (30 ms at 100 bpm) and deactivation just after the start of diastole (0-30 ms) leads to an optimal assistance of the heart with a maximum energy provided by the DEA. The end-diastolic and left ventricular pressures were lowered by up to 5% and 1%, respectively, compared to baseline. The early diastolic pressure was augmented in average by up to 2%.

Hybrid artificial muscle: enhanced actuation and load-bearing performance via an origami metamaterial endoskeleton

“…Aside from potential applications in flapping robots, the substantial load-bearing capability of the OHAM enables it to adapt to more complex environments. Under appropriate insulation conditions 21 or using a low-current power supply, 51 it can be used for human-body applications, as in human–robot interfaces or executing tasks such as in precise drug delivery in the human gastrointestinal tract, where contact between tissues or organs may create substantial resistance to the robot. 37 Moreover, the untethered motion of the OHAM can be further achieved through high energy-density batteries.…”

“…14 These attributes make DEAs ideal for applications in soft grippers, 15,16 soft robots, 17,18 and human–robot interactions. 19–21…”

“…14 These attributes make DEAs ideal for applications in soft grippers, 15,16 soft robots, 17,18 and human-robot interactions. [19][20][21] Researchers have strived to enhance the actuation displacement, output force, and energy density of dielectric elastomer…”

Uni-axial reinforced dielectric elastomer actuators with embedded 3D printed fibers

“…To that end, a silicone glue (LSR 4305) layer is applied on the first electrode while protecting a small surface in order to have access to the electrodes and thus later implement the connectors of the DEA. Finally, the second electrode is stencil printed on the other side of the Elastosil film and thermally cured in the same conditions as for the first electrode [23].…”

Dielectric elastomer actuator-based valveless pump as Fontan failure assist device: introduction and preliminary study

“…Belonging to the electroactive polymer class, DEAs share similarities with natural muscles and exhibit qualities such as softness, lightness, large strains [ 12 ], high energy density [ 13 ], dynamic responsiveness [ 14 ] and even self-sensing capabilities [ 15 ]. These attributes make them prime candidates for soft robotics applications, particularly for specialized uses in biomedicine [ 16 , 17 ].…”