Customised solutions for complications with cardiac devices

Dabit Arzamendi

Fundació Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain

Heart procedures, such as valve replacement or left atrial appendage closure, can sometimes lead to complications where the implanted devices do not fit perfectly, causing leaks. These leaks are serious as they can result in issues like heart failure, strokes, and blood cell damage, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life. Unfortunately, current devices are standardized and are available in limited sizes, which often fail to effectively address the unique anatomy of each patient. As a result, these leaks can lead to additional surgeries, long-term medication, and diminished quality of life.

To tackle this challenge, this project is working on developing personalized cardiac devices that fit the needs of individual patients. By using advanced 3D modeling and simulations, the team analyzes the patient’s anatomy to create tailored solutions. This process involves generating a digital model of the patient’s heart, assessing the size and behavior of leaks, and designing devices that fit better and seal more effectively. These customized devices aim to provide a durable seal, minimizing risks such as blood clots and eliminating the need for repeat interventions.

In the initial phase of this effort, researchers plan to test the personalized devices using virtual simulations and imaging technologies to evaluate their efficacy. They are striving to refine the designs by studying how these devices perform under realistic conditions, ensuring they offer improved outcomes over standard solutions. Their ultimate goal is to advance heart care through personalized medicine, improving recovery paths and enhancing the quality of life for patients who face complications from previously implanted heart devices.

CUstom-MAde DEvice design for Complex Structural Heart Diseases

Stage 1