Output details

Electroactive Actuators - the smart aortic graft

This output is a patent is for a smart aortic graft medical device (Cardiac Assist). This design offers a new type of therapeutic intervention to revolutionise the treatment of chronic heart failure, advancing knowledge through a novel device that can increase lifespan. Research undertaken with the Trent Cardiac Centre, Nottingham University Hospital developed an innovative rotational 3D printing process to produce a cardiac assist device.

Using his understanding of advanced materials and design principles, here Breedon extended the auxetics work in Output 2 to contribute to the health sector. He established and led a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, clinicians, academics and researchers, contributing the design and technology aspects of the project. Current discussions with the Wellcome Trust have identified an appropriate future research funding stream for the project. The IPR is joint between the university and the NHS.

The Cardiac Assist device can substitute for heart transplantation, currently the best intervention for heart failure but only available to around 600 patients per year. Counterpulsation, the principle used in Cardiac Assist, works by improving the efficiency of the heart’s own action but is currently only applicable to patients with acute heart failure, and the machines used to support this intervention cannot be implanted inside the body for more than a few days. The Cardiac Assist Device is considerably smaller than current counterpulsation devices, self-contained and noiseless. Benefits alongside prolonging life include increased mobility and comfort.

The design is in line with the aims of the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network, https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/smart-materials to stimulate UK wealth creation and economic growth through the widespread use of smart materials. The project has been taken up by the science press: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24185-3dprinted-pump-keeps-damaged-hearts-beating-in-time.html

The PUGH design approach was used and includes a product design specification agreed by surgeons, consultants and academic staff.