Researchers at Linköping University have successfully visualized blood flow in an artificial heart in real time using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The findings, published in Scientific Reports, pave the way for designing artificial hearts that lower the risk of blood clots and red blood cell damage—two of the most common complications in current devices.

The project was carried out in collaboration with Scandinavian Real Heart AB, a company working on the development of an artificial heart.

“The heart is a muscle that never rests. It can never rest. The heart can beat for a hundred years without being serviced or stopping even once. But constructing a pump that can function in the same way – that’s a challenge,” says Tino Ebbers, professor of physiology at Linköping University.

Growing Need for Artificial Hearts

Globally, around 9,000 heart transplants are performed annually. Yet, the demand far outstrips supply, with approximately 2,800 patients on waiting lists in the EU and 3,400 in the US.

Currently, many patients with severe heart failure depend on large hospital-based machines for blood circulation support. An artificial heart could offer these patients mobility and independence while awaiting a donor heart.

“Finding a biologically compatible heart for a transplant can take a long time. In those cases, an artificial heart can enable the patient to wait at home. They may not be running around like Usain Bolt, but patients can be with their loved ones during the waiting period,” explains Twan Bakker, PhD student at the Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), LiU.

Challenges in Artificial Heart Technology

Artificial hearts often struggle with complications such as:

• Blood clots, caused by stagnant or slow-moving blood.
  
• Hemolysis (red blood cell damage), triggered by turbulence or excessive blood flow speeds.
  

These issues stem from uneven blood flow patterns inside artificial pumps. Refining the technology requires an accurate understanding of how blood moves within the device.

MRI Brings New Insights

To address this, the LiU team used advanced MRI imaging to study blood circulation in Scandinavian Real Heart’s pulsating artificial heart. The results were compared with healthy human heart blood flow.

“The cool thing about this technology is that it’s possible to look inside a patient, or in this case an artificial heart, without physically opening and checking – this is completely unique,” notes Tino Ebbers.

Findings showed that blood flow in the artificial heart closely mirrored that of a natural, healthy heart—evidence of strong design and engineering progress.

Regulatory Milestone and Future Outlook

Scandinavian Real Heart’s device recently received Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This status allows the company to apply for a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE), potentially granting limited market approval under an accelerated framework.

Despite this progress, researchers caution that clinical application is still several years away. Extensive pre-clinical and clinical trials must first be completed.

“Our dream is to develop an artificial heart as a permanent solution. We’re not there yet, as we’re required to first show that it functions as a bridge to transplantation so as to prevent the patient from dying while waiting for a heart. But our ultimate goal is fantastic, and when we reach it, there will be no need for donor hearts,” says Twan Bakker.

Summary of Key Points

• Linköping University researchers visualized real-time blood flow in an artificial heart using MRI.
• The study shows the artificial heart mimics natural blood flow, reducing risks of clots and red blood cell damage.
• Around 9,000 heart transplants occur worldwide annually, but demand far exceeds supply.
• Artificial hearts could allow patients to live at home while waiting for donor hearts.
• Scandinavian Real Heart’s device earned FDA HUD status, moving it closer to clinical use.
• Permanent artificial heart solutions are the long-term goal, but clinical trials remain essential before widespread adoption.

Original Publication
Authors: Twan Bakker, Azad Najar, Thomas Finocchiaro, Ina Laura Perkins, Jonas Lantz and Tino Ebbers.
Journal: Scientific Reports
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-18422-y
Method of Research: Imaging analysis
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: 4D flow MRI enhances prototype testing of a total artificial heart
Article Publication Date: 15-Sep-2025
COI Statement: The research was partly funded by Scandinavian Real Heart AB, where co-authors Azad Najar, Thomas Finocchiaro and Ina Laura Perkins are employees and/or shareholders. The other participants declare no conflict of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions