A parametric study on pulse duplicator design and valve hemodynamics.

Background: In vitro assessment is mandatory for artificial heart valve development. This study aims to investigate the effects of pulse duplicator features on valve responsiveness, conduct a sensitivity analysis across valve prosthesis types, and contribute on the development of versatile pulse duplicator systems able to perform reliable prosthetic aortic valve assessment under physiologic hemodynamic conditions.

Methods: A reference pulse duplicator was established based on literature.

Tuning the Properties of Multi-Stable Structures Post-Fabrication Via the Two-Way Shape Memory Polymer Effect.

Multi-stable elements are commonly employed to design reconfigurable and adaptive structures, because they enable large and reversible shape changes in response to changing loads, while simultaneously allowing self-locking capabilities. However, existing multi-stable structures have properties that depend on their initial design and cannot be tailored post-fabrication. Here, a novel design approach is presented that combines multi-stable structures with two-way shape memory polymers.

A Highly Multi-Stable Meta-Structure via Anisotropy for Large and Reversible Shape Transformation.

Shape transformation offers the possibility of realizing devices whose 3D shape can be altered to adapt to different environments. Many applications would profit from reversible and actively controllable shape transformation together with a self-locking capability. Solutions that combine such properties are rare.

A Novel Hybrid Membrane VAD as First Step Toward Hemocompatible Blood Propulsion.

Heart failure is a raising cause of mortality. Heart transplantation and ventricular assist device (VAD) support represent the only available lifelines for end stage disease. In the context of donor organ shortage, the future role of VAD as destination therapy is emerging.