New ‘cyborg heart patch’ opens frontier in heart disease treatment

A new 'cyborg' heart patch that combines electronics with living tissue has been developed by researchers as a means of treating heart disease.

Created by Tel Aviv University, the bionic heart patch incorporates organic and engineered parts in a way that allows it to contract and expand like human heart tissue, but also to regulate itself like a machine.

Thick bionic tissue suitable for transplantation is combined with electronic components to sense tissue function and provide electrical stimulation, while electroactive polymers are also integrated to release medication on demand.

Its capabilities surpass those of human tissue alone, and allow doctors to remotely monitor the health and performance of a patient, administering treatment as and when necessary.

Professor Tal Dvir, the leader of the research at Tel Aviv University, said: "Until now, we could only engineer organic cardiac tissue, with mixed results. Now we have produced viable bionic tissue, which ensures that the heart tissue will function properly."

The long-term goal will be to refine the patch to be able to regulate its own welfare, allowing it to intelligently respond to health needs with appropriate actions.