Stretchy conductive patch promises cure for broken heart

Described in Advanced Functional Materials, the patch can endure the physical demands and replicate the electrical signalling that enables our hearts to pump blood rhythmically. It’s hoped the advance could help mitigate the effects of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. According to the researchers, one in six men and one in seven women in the EU will suffer a heart attack at some point in their lives.

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"Despite some advances in the field, heart disease still places a huge burden on our healthcare systems and the life quality of patients worldwide,” said senior author Michael Monaghan, assistant professor in biomedical engineering at Trinity. “It affects all of us either directly or indirectly through family and friends. As a result, researchers are continuously looking to develop new treatments which can include stem cell treatments, biomaterial gel injections and assistive devices."