A Santiago-based company has developed three-dimensional replicas of diseased hearts, capable of simulating real blood flow. This technology allows doctors to analyze cardiac pathologies without surgical intervention, offering more precise diagnoses and tailored treatments. For the public, this translates into lower risks and medical costs, bringing safer cardiac solutions closer to those who need them.
How these artificial hearts are created and simulated 🫀
The process begins with detailed scans of the patient's heart, which are converted into 3D models through specialized printing. Then, sensors and fluids that replicate the pressure and viscosity of real blood are integrated. Engineers program algorithms to mimic conditions such as arrhythmias or stenosis, allowing real-time observation of how the flow behaves. Thus, specialists can test virtual interventions before any surgery, adjusting strategies without risks to the patient.
The plastic heart that doesn't complain or ask for an appointment 😂
While real patients wait months for a cardiologist, these artificial hearts are available 24/7 without a fuss. They don't get tired, they don't ask for days off, and best of all, they don't complain about the price of parking at the clinic. Of course, printer lungs that can withstand climbing stairs haven't been invented yet, but for now, the 3D model is a model patient: obedient, silent, and with no health insurance to pay.