Title: Implantable Devices with Mechanical Intelligence for Heart Failure Therapy

Abstract: Heart Failure (HF) remains a significant global health challenge, affecting millions and incurring substantial economic burdens annually. Despite advances in implantable cardiac devices offering mechanical support across HF stages, mortality rates persist, signaling the need for innovative approaches.

Central to HF progression is ventricular remodeling, driven by abnormal loading and forces sustained by the myocardium. Traditional therapies, while initially beneficial, inadvertently lead to abnormal loading conditions that contribute to this remodeling, exacerbating HF deterioration. Given that remodeling is extremely difficult to reverse, preserving myocardial function becomes paramount.

In my thesis, I advocate for a shift towards soft, dynamically responsive devices that consider the preservation of myocardial function by regulating the biomechanical environment. Drawing inspiration from principles of mechanical intelligence developed in the field of robotics, three implantable devices are developed to address clinical needs in HF at various stages of the condition. 

This presentation will briefly describe the design, development, and evaluation of two mechanical support devices for early and end-stage HF. However, the primary focus will be on the third device, an implantable sensor for remote patient monitoring, designed to detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction and enable early, proactive intervention to preserve the myocardium.

Please contact Madelyn Bernstein for the Zoom link