First implanted artificial tubular muscle
Scientists from EPFL and University of Bern have successfully implanted – in vivo – their first artificial tubular muscle that augments the aorta and assists cardiac function in pumping blood.
Advanced Science
Engineers at EPFL’s Center for Artificial Muscles have developed a silicone aorta that can reduce how hard patients’ hearts have to pump. Their breakthrough could offer a promising alternative to heart transplants.
CAM Inauguration
The Center for Artificial Muscles was inaugurated this morning at Microcity in Neuchâtel following the announcement of a 12-million-franc donation by the Werner Siemens-Foundation a little over six months ago. The event was attended by Jean-Nathanaël Karakash, who is Neuchâtel’s State Councilor for the Economy and Social Action, EPFL President Martin Vetterli and representatives from the Werner Siemens-Foundation.
Gesundheitheute
An welchen bahnbrechenden, neuen Therapieansätzen forschen die Herzchirurgen? Beispielsweise an neuen Herzklappen. Die herkömmlichen funktionieren gut, doch es gibt auch Probleme. Es können sich Thromben bilden, die im schlimmsten Fall zu Herzinfarkt oder Hirnschlag führen. Deshalb wird nach biokompatiblen Herzklappen gesucht, welche diese Probleme vermeiden lassen. In Neuenburg arbeitet ein Forscherteam an der künstlichen Herstellung von Herzmuskeln. Das bedeutet Hoffnung für 150 000 Menschen, die an Herzschwäche leiden.