From the moment of birth, the human heart has been beating for many years, without stopping to rest. The problem occurs when a sudden cardiac arrest. Modern medicine has tried all sorts of ways to slow down aging and maintain the functioning of the heart. But a recent study by scientists in this area revealed a way to maintain the heart rate indefinitely.
Researchers from Illinois and Washington Universities, using high-quality graphic imaging and 3D printing techniques, created a prototype of a thin outer membrane that envelops the heart. An artificial membrane with embedded electrodes mimics the natural outer membrane of the heart, known as the pericardium. The device ideally covers the heart, supporting its work outside the body. The development has been demonstrated on a rabbit heart placed in a nutrient-rich solution, the British newspaper The Independent writes.
The device is able to control the work of the heart, detect signs of heart failure and arrhythmias, and if necessary, apply electrical impulses to the heart muscle, as traditional heart pacemakers do. Due to the use of multiple electrodes in contact with the body, the maximum effect is achieved. At the same time, the new device cannot be compared with conventional pacemakers, scientists say.
An artificial membrane with electrodes detects problems faster and requires less energy to maintain the heart in working condition. Electrodes are made of ordinary materials, and their structure allows the membrane to stretch to cover the heart.
But one should not hope that it will be possible to prolong the life of the heart today. The technology has shown its effectiveness only in the laboratory, while only on the heart of the animal. But it gives a lot of confidence that in a few years this invention will bring great benefit to man.
The article is based on materials .
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