Nikolay V. Vasilyev
Boston Children's Hospital, Anna Needs Neuroblastoma Answers, Boston Children's Museum
Papers
30
Total Citations
1,528
H-Index
19
About
Nikolay V. Vasilyev is a pioneering biomedical engineer whose research sits at the intersection of soft robotics, cardiac intervention, and minimally invasive surgery. Working extensively on implantable robotic devices for the failing heart, Vasilyev has made transformative contributions to how engineers and clinicians think about mechanical cardiac support. His landmark 2017 paper introducing a soft robotic sleeve capable of compressing and twisting around the heart to mimic natural muscle contraction has garnered over 400 citations, establishing him as a central figure in the emerging field of cardiac soft robotics. Alongside collaborators, he has developed soft robotic ventricular assist devices, multifunctional intracardiac tools, and even a soft robotic ventilator for respiratory insufficiency — demonstrating a remarkably broad translational vision. His work on concentric tube robots for minimally invasive surgery (173 citations) further highlights his range, bridging continuum robotics theory with real surgical application. Vasilyev has also advanced beating-heart surgical techniques through force-tracking systems and MEMS-based tissue approximation tools. With over 1,200 cumulative citations across his most recognized work, his research consistently bridges cutting-edge engineering with urgent clinical need, offering students a compelling model of impactful, human-centered innovation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Soft robotic sleeve supports heart function417 citations · 2017
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- 4A multifunctional soft robot for cardiac interventions94 citations · 2023
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- 6Force tracking with feed-forward motion estimation for beating heart surgery77 citations · 2010
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