Test platform for the early validation of concepts in the development of heart implants (HeLab)

Focus:	Life Science Technologies Talents
Type of funding:	Individual funding programmes
Programme:	CZS research boost
Funded institution:	University of Applied Sciences Jena

Prof. Dr. Janina Wirth, Professor of Medical Device Development at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, is developing a test platform to evaluate heart implants at an early stage of development. The aim is to promote safe and effective medical products.

Goals

Heart implants (e.g. heart valves) are among the most demanding medical devices, as they are invasive and remain in the body for a long time. Their development requires extensive testing to ensure safety. The "HeLab" project aims to develop a test platform that can evaluate different design variants of heart implants in the early development phase under realistic conditions.

This platform can test whether implants are functionally and mechanically suitable. In addition, conceptual weaknesses can be identified at an early stage. It offers a flexible and cost-efficient test environment that is based on standards and takes compatibility with accessories (e.g. catheter systems) into account.

In the long term, the project is intended to support the establishment of a specialized test laboratory that will serve as a central point of contact for testing and further developing various design concepts for medical devices. This should simplify the verification and validation processes. This will strengthen the university as a research and innovation center and promote the transfer of knowledge between students, researchers and industry partners.