A Passive Heart Mock-Loop with an Unpunctured Natural Heart to Enable Cardiac Device Testing

This paper presents the design and functional evaluation of a novel pulsatile mock-loop system designed to accommodate whole natural heart samples of various sizes, replicating both systemic and pulmonary circulation. Unlike existing models in the literature, this mock-loop uses an external pressurisation principle that preserves the integrity of native atrial and ventricular tissue, eliminating the need for penetration or damage during the experimental process. The flow and pressure profiles indicate a moderate functionality of the heart. Comparative analysis with other mock-loop designs highlights the advantages of this approach in maintaining tissue viability and providing a more realistic simulation of the natural environment of the heart.