An intraventricular soft robotic pulsatile assist device for right ventricular heart failure

Abstract

Due to its more complex geometry and motion, right ventricular heart failure (RVHF) is less understood than left ventricular heart failure and has fewer treatment options. There are currently no mechanical circulatory support devices designed specifically for the right ventricle. This work presents the design of a ventricular assist device (VAD) which leverages the specific geometry and lower pressure of the right ventricle (RV) in order to avoid the major pitfalls of current VADs. The device consists of a contracting linear actuator spanning the RV, bringing its walls together and assisting in the ejection of blood from the ventricle.