"Bionic heart patch" can replace heart transplantation

The new device was inspired by Dr. Tal Dvir and Dr. Ron Feiner, both from the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology at Tel Aviv University (TAU).

They published their detailed inventions in the journal Nature Materials.

As of today, there are still 4,145 people in the United States waiting for a heart transplant. Sadly, about 25% of these people are not waiting for a heart transplant, which requires us to take out other treatment options for patients with end-stage heart failure as soon as possible.

Now, Professor Dvir and his colleagues believe that they may have developed an alternative: a bionic heart patch consisting of tissue and structural elements that can effectively repair heart tissue that is permanently damaged by heart failure or heart disease.

In fact, the research team said that the potential of the patch far exceeds the function of the heart tissue itself.

“In this heart patch, we have integrated electronic instruments with biological tissue,” Dr. Dvir said. “It sounds like science fiction, but it’s already here, and we hope it will greatly advance the heart. the study."

"Up to now, we have only mechanized the organic heart tissue to get the result of the mixture," he continued. “Now we have developed viable bionic tissues to ensure that heart tissue functions properly.”

Patch can provide remote heart tissue regeneration

The research team developed a bionic heart patch by changing organic tissue. The tissue contains living cardiomyocytes, electrodes capable of sensing tissue function and managing electrical stimulation, and electroactive polymers capable of releasing the drug as needed.

“We first ensure that the patch contains enough concentrated cells, which explains the need for organic materials,” Dr. Dvir said. “But, equally important, we need to verify everything that happens in the patch and adjust its function. We also hope to release the drug directly from the patch to the heart to enhance its integration with the host."

The inspiration for the patch came from allowing doctors to remotely treat patients whose heart tissue was permanently damaged by heart failure or heart disease. In explaining how the patch works, Dr. Dvir says:

"We can imagine that a patient is just sitting at home and doesn't feel well. His doctor will be able to log in to his computer in real time to get the patient's medical records. He can remotely view the relevant information through sensors embedded in the mechanical tissue. Data and accurate assessment of the patient's performance. He can take interventions that are synchronized with the heart and activate the drug from a distance and release it to the regenerative tissue."

Dr. Dvir said the long-term goal of the patch is that it can treat patients according to their own protocols, so that patients no longer need help from health care providers. For example, if the device detects inflammation in the heart, it releases an anti-inflammatory drug.

Dr. Dvir said bionic heart patches represent a "major breakthrough" in heart research that can serve as an effective alternative to heart transplants, but he acknowledges that it may take some time for the device to actually be used clinically.

“I wouldn’t recommend it or simply give it up. The actual implementation of the technology may take a while,” he said. “At the same time, a healthy lifestyle is still the best way to keep your heart healthy.”

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"Bionic heart patch' could offer heart transplant alternative"