3D-printed heart with McKibben actuators for surgery simulations

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed dynamic heart model that realistically mimics the anatomy and motion of the left side of the heart, including the atrium, ventricle, and mitral valve. This model is designed to provide surgeons with a patient-specific platform for presurgical simulations, addressing the need for rigorous hands-on training to reduce procedural errors in cardiac care. Unlike previous models that relied on animal tissues, this synthetic model uses soft material 3D-printing and incorporates sutures to replicate the chordae tendineae, enhancing structural realism and tissue-like behavior during practice. A key innovation in the model is the integration of McKibben actuators within the heart muscle walls, which contract to simulate ventricular movement and mitral valve dynamics. Additionally, custom flexible pressure sensors monitor internal pressure changes, allowing for the study of blood flow and providing real-time feedback during simulations. This approach avoids ethical concerns associated with animal testing while maintaining the physical realism necessary for effective surgical training. By combining