This beating heart comes from the genius researchers at the North Carolina State University. They made it possible to keep a heart beating outside the body, a find that has amazing medical potential.
"Currently, most medical device prototypes designed for use in heart surgery are tested on live pigs, which have heart valves that are anatomically similar to human heart valves," NCSU says of the ‘dynamic heart system,’ adding, "However, these tests are both expensive and time-consuming, and involve a lengthy permission process to ensure that the use of live animals is necessary."
Oh yes, and there is a video! While it’s a miraculous innovation, it’s got that Frankenstein appeal some people without a medical background might find a little gory.
It’s strange, but really compelling.
Unattached Living Organs
A Real Heart that Beats Even Outside the Body
Trend Themes
1. Organ Farming - The ability to keep a heart beating outside the body opens up the possibility for farming other organs for medical use.
2. Virtual Testing - The dynamic heart system allows for virtual testing of medical devices, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming live animal testing.
3. Artificial Heart Development - Research into keeping a real heart beating outside the body could also inform the development of artificial hearts.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The dynamic heart system provides an innovative solution for testing medical devices, opening up opportunities for companies in the medical devices industry.
2. Organ Transplantation - Efficient, low-cost organ farming supported by the dynamic heart system has the potential to disrupt the organ transplantation industry.
3. Biotechnology - The artificial heart development opportunity provided by keeping a heart beating outside the body could drive innovation and investment in the biotechnology industry.