A Review Study of Soft Electronic Materials for Epicardial Devices

Abstract

Purpose: Heart failure is a widespread health concern. A person with a heart failure has 5 years shorter life expectancy compared to a person who has a cancer. Specifically, myocardial disease is usually involved with a treatment accompanied by an electrical conduction system. To alleviate the physical burden to heart due to ventricular pacing, epicardial electronic system made of soft and elastic materials is needed. Methodology: In this review, we discuss candidate materials for novel epicardial sensing/stimulation system that matches similar mechanical properties of heart. Materials are categorized as soft conductive materials consist of elastomer and conductive filler and tissue-like low modulus materials. Like hydrogel and its conductive composites. Main Findings: The soft nanocomposites integrated with nanomaterials as filler and elastomer/hydrogel as matrix show potential to open a new pathway in high-performance epicardial electronic system that improve accuracy, stability, and long-term usability in diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. Implications: Multifunctional epicardial system that monitors electrical conduction of epicardium surface and stimulate epicardium simultaneously could be a powerful tool to diagnose and treat myocardial disease. Novelty: This review study is focused and written in simple terms for readers.