Manufacturing Thick IPMNC Fingers

The preparation of thick IPMNC fingers follows the procedure outlined in reference [38]. However, the reader is referred to references [14-18] for additional information on IPMNCs. 

Fi re 7.23 IPMNCs configured to perform peristaltic compression on aortic blood flow and enhance blood circulation and assist a weak heart. 

Therefore, based on the background technologies and their successes and failures in treating weak hearts, it is highly desirable to develop a soft heart compression device for patients with CHF problems. In this connection, ionic polymer-metal composites as soft biomimetic sensors, actuators and artificial muscles present a tremendous opportunity. 

Shahinpoor, M. and Osada, Y. (1995) Heart tissue Replacement with Ionic Polymeric Gels, Proceedings of the 1995 ASME Winter Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 314-8. 

Shahinpoor, M. (2002) ElectricaUy-Controllable Multi-Fingered Resihent Heart Compression Devices, US Patent Office, US Patent 6,464,655, Issued 15 October 2002. 

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