Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the United States, managed to develop 3D replicas of human hearts that can reproduce the heartbeat and the way blood flows in the organ. The models will be useful for perfecting complex cardiac surgeries, such as valve replacement, for example.
In an article published in the journal Science Roboticon Wednesday (2/22), the researchers highlighted that the 3D model will give more precision to medical interventions, reducing the possibility of leaks and failures.
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The model was developed from images of the hearts of 15 patients with aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the heart valves that decreases blood flow. The artificial heart was able to pump like a real organ, simulating flow and applied pressure.
heart physiology
Images taken from the volunteers’ hearts were transformed into a three-dimensional computer model with polymer ink to create the left ventricle and aorta. Elastic sheets make the model expand and contract and a rigid body was used to keep it steady (See video).
The model was connected to a system that pumps air in and out, mimicking the blood flow of patients with the condition.
“We are not only printing the anatomy of the heart, but also replicating its mechanics and physiology. That’s the part that excites us,” said study co-author Ellen Roche of Massachusetts General Hospital. daily mail.
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According to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), cardiovascular diseases are some of the main causes of death in Brazil. According to the institution, most deaths could be avoided or postponed with preventive care and therapeutic measures.
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For SBC, prevention and proper treatment of risk factors and heart disease may be enough to reverse serious conditions. For this, it is necessary to know how to identify the main symptoms of cardiovascular problems and treat them, if you have any of them.
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Among the cardiovascular diseases that cause the most fatalities, Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) stands out. It is caused due to the presence of fatty plaques that clog the cerebral blood vessels. Among the symptoms are: difficulty speaking, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, weakness on one side of the body, among others.
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Arteriosclerosis is a disease caused by hardening of the arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the body. The condition impairs blood flow and causes the patient to experience weakness, fatigue and chest pain. In addition to being related to the aging process, the disease can be caused by high cholesterol, genetics, diabetes and hypertension.
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Cardiomyopathy is another serious disease that affects the heart. The disease, which leaves the heart muscle inflamed and swollen, can weaken the heart to the point of needing a transplant. Among the symptoms of the disease are: frequent weakness, swelling and fatigue
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Myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to the myocardium muscle is interrupted for a long period. The absence of blood in the region can cause serious problems and even tissue death. Obesity, cigarette, high cholesterol and genetic tendency can cause the disease. Among the symptoms are: chest pain that lasts 20 minutes, tingling in the arm, burning in the chest, etc.
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One of the most common and serious heart conditions is heart failure. It is characterized by the inability of the heart to pump blood around the body. The disease causes fatigue, difficulty breathing, weakness, etc. Among the main causes of the disease are: infections, diabetes, unhealthy habits, etc.
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Peripheral arterial disease, like most heart diseases, is caused by the formation of fatty plaques and other substances in the arteries that carry blood to the lower limbs of the body, such as the feet and legs. High cholesterol and smoking contribute to the problem. Among the symptoms are: wounds that do not heal, erectile dysfunction and swelling in the body
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Caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses from other parts of the body that migrate to the heart and infect the endocardium, endocarditis is a disease that can cause chills, fever and fatigue. The treatment of the disease will depend on the patient’s condition and, sometimes, surgery may be indicated.
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Caused due to inflammation of other heart muscles, myocarditis can cause weakening of the heart, abnormal heart rate and sudden death. Chest pains, shortness of breath and abnormal heartbeats are some of the main symptoms.
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In addition to the common symptoms of each of the cardiovascular diseases, excessive tiredness for no apparent reason, nausea or loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, swelling, chills, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat and persistent cough can be signs of heart problems
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According to the Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines booklet of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), despite some specific cases, it is possible to prevent heart problems by maintaining good eating habits, practicing physical exercises and taking care of the mind
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Future
The developers hope that the technology will become increasingly accessible so that, in the future, it will be possible to develop a model of heart for each patient who will undergo such surgery.
“There is a great need to have a model that is specific for each patient and can also simulate cases in which there is an anomaly in the morphology of the aortic valve”, says researcher Luca Rosalia, a graduate student at the MIT-Harvard Program.
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