University of Canterbury Students Innovate Artificial Heart for Transplants

A team of students from the University of Canterbury is developing an innovative artificial heart that could potentially transform treatment options for heart failure patients. This initiative aims to address the significant gap between the number of patients awaiting heart transplants and the available donor organs. The students will showcase their prototype at the prestigious Heart Hackathon competition in Vienna in December 2023, representing New Zealand on an international stage.

The Heart Hackathon is an annual event that invites student teams from around the globe to collaboratively design and create artificial hearts. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 17.9 million fatalities each year. Despite the urgent need, only about 7,000 donor hearts are available for transplants annually, leaving around 50,000 patients in desperate need.

Over the past three years, six Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) students have been developing their prototype under the expert guidance of Dr. James Hewett, Dr. Natalia Kabaliuk, and Associate Professor Deborah Munro. Their work is supported by a grant from the Heart Foundation, which underscores the project’s potential impact on heart disease treatment.

The students are focused on refining their design to ensure it meets the necessary medical and engineering standards. Their participation in the Heart Hackathon represents not only a significant opportunity for learning and innovation but also a chance to contribute to a solution for a pressing global health issue.

As they prepare for the competition, the students are enthusiastic about the prospects of their project. The event will draw attention from experts in the field and could lead to further development opportunities for their artificial heart.

The journey of these University of Canterbury students highlights the intersection of education, innovation, and healthcare. Their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by heart failure patients embodies the spirit of collaboration and creativity essential for advancing medical technology. The outcome of their participation in Vienna could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of heart transplant options.