Linking cardiac biomechanics to reverse remodeling

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are mechanical pumps that support a failing heart. Recent research indicates that LVAD therapy can go beyond being merely a bridge to transplant; it can also be a tool for cardiac recovery. These devices improve the function of the heart in some patients, potentially allowing for the removal of the LVAD once the heart has sufficiently recovered. The aim of this project is to optimize how LVADs reduce the workload of the heart, striving to achieve an optimal balance between the hearts performance and the load it must handle. To this end, the proposed research employs advanced computational models alongside experimental animal studies. The computational approach uses a 3D heart model to simulate various unloading scenarios to predict which settings could promote cardiac recovery. These computational predictions are validated through a unique experimental setup, the isolated beating heart. This setup enables precise measurements of how different unloading approaches influence heart performance. The most promising strategies are then tested in animals with heart failure, comparing new unloading methods against conventional techniques. This project aims to transform LVAD therapy into a curative treatment, potentially revolutionizing its use in clinical practice.