Congratulations to Hub Chief Investigator Dr Javad Foroughi, alongside Hub Director Scientia Professor Chun Wang and collaborator Dr Liao (Leo) Wu, who have been awarded a $750,000 NSW Health Cardiovascular Collaborative Grant.
This significant funding supports the development of a soft-robotic artificial heart muscle, an innovative technology designed to provide more effective and adaptive cardiac support for patients living with end-stage heart failure. The project represents a powerful example of how multidisciplinary engineering research can translate into solutions for some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare.
Building on Dr Foroughi’s 2024 NSW Health Fellowship Project, the team is advancing the design of a soft-robotic ventricular assist sleeve that mimics the natural motion of heart muscle. Unlike conventional rigid mechanical devices, this soft, flexible system is designed to work in harmony with the heart, offering the potential for improved patient comfort, reduced complications, and more personalised support.
At the core of the project is the integration of advanced materials, soft robotics, and connected sensing technologies, enabling real-time monitoring and responsive actuation. By combining expertise across engineering, materials science, and clinical collaboration, the research aims to deliver a next-generation cardiac support technology that bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and clinical application.
This award recognises the strength of the team’s collaborative approach and the translational focus of the research. With support from NSW Health, the project moves a significant step closer to real-world impact, reinforcing the ARC Research Hub for Connected Sensors for Health’s mission to develop connected technologies that improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients.