Abstract: Life saving medical devices significantly extended life expectancy by providing cardiac rhythm support. However, implantable pacemakers and defibrillators are limited by the low resolution/definition of sensing and therapy delivery.  High definition cardiac mapping has been an important experimental and clinical tool for understanding normal and conduction and arrhythmia mechanisms. Conformal 3D multiparametric integumentary membrane (3D-MIM) devices are effective tools that increase the spatial resolution of recording propagation patterns, but it is difficult to achieve quality contact across the whole epicardial surface with these devices. Taking advantage of recent advances in materials science fabrication technology and innovative circuit design, a novel platform has emerged for the development of devices that can monitor multiple parameters simultaneously with high spatial resolution and follow the curvilinear surface of the beating heart. Such devices are built on stretchable contour-fitting membranes custom designed to fit the geometry of the heart. A diverse array of multiparametric sensors can be laced in custom orientations across the membrane, spanning the entire epicardial surface. With future developments, these membranes can be implemented as continuous monitors of cardiac performance, providing clinicians with a set of internal high definition multiparametric monitors and therapeutic devices that could significantly improve cardiac function and further extend life expectancy.

Bio: Dr. Igor Efimov is Chairman of Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Director of the Cardiac Imaging Laboratory, an NIH-funded cardiovascular research and engineering laboratory, which studies the physiological and biophysical mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and develops novel therapies for heart diseases with emphasis on heart rhythm disorders. In 2008, Dr. Efimov co-founded Cardialen, Inc., to develop low energy cardioversion therapy, with a primary focus on atrial fibrillation.  In 2016, Dr. Efimov co-founded CardioForm to develop novel percutaneous and implantable devices based on technology of conformal electronics.

~BME Faculty Host: Pavlos Vlachos~

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