RESUMEN
Advanced materials and fractal design concepts form the basis of a 3D conformal electronic platform with unique capabilities in cardiac electrotherapies. Fractal geometries, advanced electrode materials, and thin, elastomeric membranes yield a class of device capable of integration with the entire 3D surface of the heart, with unique operational capabilities in low power defibrillation. Co-integrated collections of sensors allow simultaneous monitoring of physiological responses. Animal experiments on Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts demonstrate the key features of these systems.
Asunto(s)
Terapia por Estimulación Eléctrica/instrumentación , Electrodos , Corazón , Aleaciones/química , Animales , Elastómeros , Impedancia Eléctrica , Terapia por Estimulación Eléctrica/métodos , Diseño de Equipo , Fractales , Corazón/fisiología , Corazón/fisiopatología , Iridio/química , Ensayo de Materiales , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Nanoestructuras/química , Imagen Óptica , Compuestos de Platino/química , Poliestirenos/química , Conejos , Elastómeros de Silicona , Compuestos de Plata/química , Análisis Espectral , Tiofenos/química , Titanio/químicaRESUMEN
Means for high-density multiparametric physiological mapping and stimulation are critically important in both basic and clinical cardiology. Current conformal electronic systems are essentially 2D sheets, which cannot cover the full epicardial surface or maintain reliable contact for chronic use without sutures or adhesives. Here we create 3D elastic membranes shaped precisely to match the epicardium of the heart via the use of 3D printing, as a platform for deformable arrays of multifunctional sensors, electronic and optoelectronic components. Such integumentary devices completely envelop the heart, in a form-fitting manner, and possess inherent elasticity, providing a mechanically stable biotic/abiotic interface during normal cardiac cycles. Component examples range from actuators for electrical, thermal and optical stimulation, to sensors for pH, temperature and mechanical strain. The semiconductor materials include silicon, gallium arsenide and gallium nitride, co-integrated with metals, metal oxides and polymers, to provide these and other operational capabilities. Ex vivo physiological experiments demonstrate various functions and methodological possibilities for cardiac research and therapy.