A hole in the heart? Experience modern heart implants up close using a model!

What actually happens inside our hearts, and how can defects be repaired without opening the chest? At our stand, you can experience the fascinating world of modern medical technology at first hand: see it, understand it and have a go yourself!

The heart in action: blood flow & implants up close
The centrepiece of our stand is a heart-and-vein model with fluid flowing through it. To simulate the human blood circulation, fluid is continuously pumped through the vascular system. A so-called LAA occluder has already been placed in this model – a specialised implant that closes off the left atrial appendage.

Why is this important? In people with atrial fibrillation, dangerous blood clots can form in this bulge of the heart, which in the worst-case scenario can trigger a stroke. The occluder seals off this area precisely. The running model demonstrates live and tangibly how such an implant sits and functions under real-world flow and pressure conditions.

Hands-on station: Step into the role of the clinician
But the heart has other vulnerabilities that can be treated using minimally invasive techniques:
• Persistent foramen ovale (PFO): A valve-like connection between the atria that has not closed completely after birth.
• Atrial septal defect (ASD): A genuine ‘hole’ in the wall between the atria, which can cause the heart to be permanently overloaded.

Both defects are now treated without major surgery: a folded implant is guided into the heart via a narrow catheter and unfolded there. Like a tiny double umbrella, it attaches itself to the septum from both sides and permanently seals the opening. Using a specially 3D-printed heart model, you can place a PFO or ASD occluder yourself! As you insert it, feel the resistance, the haptic feedback and the moment when the little umbrella unfolds and anchors itself perfectly. This makes a highly complex medical procedure understandable for young and old alike.

The research behind it: the HeLab project (funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation)
As part of the HeLab project at the Department of Medical Technology at Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences in Jena, we are developing innovative test and evaluation environments (simulated-use models). Before a new cardiac implant can be used in humans, it must undergo years of testing to prove that it is completely leak-proof, safe and mechanically robust. Our simulated heart-vein models form the basis for testing implants under realistic conditions – a crucial step on the path from the initial idea to an approved medical device.

Do pop in, take a look inside the heart and discuss materials, 3D printing and the future of medical technology with our research team!
• Target audience: Suitable for anyone with a sense of curiosity, regardless of age.
• Prior knowledge: Not required. Your enthusiasm for trying things out is all you need!

We’re celebrating science!