3D PRINTED HEART “JACKET” FOR VITALS AND TREATMENT

Researchers use 3D printing to build custom devices to treat heart rhythm disorders

Scientists have 3D printed what amounts to a piece of heart-amour, which integrates some very savvy sensor-technology. Intended to monitor the heart’s temperature, pH and strain, the elastic membrane could be used to treat patients with heart rhythm disorders.

By 3D scanning the heart, scientists use 3D printers to custom build a perfect-fitting ‘jacket’ like structure that snugly encompasses the heart. The idea is that rather than simply embed a few electrodes in the form of conventional pacemakers to treat arrhythmia, the sensor rich device could also provide vital-sign feedback.