IIT Kanpur launches dream Hridyantra project, to develop world's most advanced artificial heart

Kanpur's premier technology institute, the IIT has announced the launch of 'Hridyantra' in a bid to design and develop the world's most advanced artificial heart. This one-a-kind mega indigenous project has been rolled out in association with India's axillary hospitals and aims to provide advanced therapeutic options to chronic heart patients. Reportedly, the challenge-based programme visions to further the scope of MedTech solutions in the country, while promoting the 'Made in India' dream.

Vision to make India self-reliant in MedTech

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The IIT Kanpur has forayed into the field of medical technology with its ambition of creating the world's most advanced Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). The project, by virtue of its nature, will fuse technical expertise with medical science to create a device that can be made accessible to millions of patients in need. Simultaneously, the programme with elevate India's identity as a global leader in engineering high quality, technologically advanced and easily accessible health-tech solutions.

Talking about the project, Abhay Karandikar-the Director of IIT Kanpur, said that the mission behind this initiative is to establish a template for creating high-end medical devices in India with the vision to make the country self-reliant in MedTech.

In a tweet, Prof. Abhay said, "Hridyantra is conceived as a grand challenge inviting applications from brilliant problem-solvers & entrepreneurial minds who will work very closely with a special task force comprising of experts from @IITKanpur, MedTech industry, cardiac doctors.".

As per the press release, a dedicated team of innovators with suitable experience will be chosen and mentored by a special task force including experts from the industry. A multi-disciplinary team of fellows will undergo clinical immersion to understand the nuances related to cardiac surgery, added the circular. The deadline for the application of this programme is slated to be January 30, 2022.

What is an artificial heart?

An artificial heart, also known as Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a pump that is used in people with end-stage heart failure. Named after the Left Ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber of the heart, this implantable device helps in pumping blood from the heart to the other parts of the body.

Notably, this device is used as a bridge by patients during the waiting period before a heart transplant. Additionally, this mechanical pump is also used as a destination therapy for those who are deemed unfit for the transplant.