Advanced Blood Flow Imaging Enhances Artificial Heart Design

Researchers at Linköping University have utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to observe blood flow within a pulsating artificial heart in real time. This innovative approach provides vital insights that could significantly improve artificial heart technology by reducing complications such as blood clots and red blood cell destruction, which are common in current designs. The team constructed a full-scale model of the human circulatory system to enable these detailed observations.

The MRI technology revealed that the blood flow in the artificial heart closely resembles that of a healthy natural heart, indicating a promising design. Notably, Scandinavian Real Heart AB recently received the Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allowing for potential expedited approval procedures. Still, clinical application remains a few years away, pending further pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Artificial hearts are vital for many patients awaiting transplants, especially given the increasing number of heart failure cases worldwide. Traditional devices often restrict patients to hospitals due to their size and the need for constant management. An effective artificial heart could allow patients to live more freely while waiting for a donor organ. However, designing a device that mimics the natural heart’s function without inducing blood clotting or damaging red blood cells presents ongoing challenges.

The research team emphasizes that understanding blood flow dynamics is essential for advancing artificial heart technology. By employing MRI, they can monitor blood movement without invasive procedures, leading to better-informed design choices. Ultimately, their goal is to create a permanent artificial heart solution that serves as a bridge to transplant or, someday, as a complete replacement, eliminating the need for donor hearts.

This study, published in Scientific Reports, underscores the potential of advanced imaging techniques to refine artificial organ design and improve patient outcomes. The collaboration between academia and industry illustrates the promising future of artificial heart technology, pushing closer to a world where waiting for a donor heart may soon become a thing of the past.