The MAVIS Artificial Heart team at the "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy is at the vanguard of a transformative change in global medicine. The young bioengineers have created the world's smallest artificial heart, a revolutionary device that can be controlled via a mobile phone application and has the potential to save the lives of infants born with heart failure. This exceptional achievement propelled them into the global Heart Hackathon 2024 competition, where they were awarded the 'Most Advanced Design' trophy for the second consecutive year.
Furthermore, the MAVIS Artificial Heart team was selected to participate in the national campaign, "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development," initiated by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania. This initiative aims to promote and support young individuals who contribute to the advancement of Romanian society. The young people from Iași were identified by the FDVDR representatives as global innovation leaders.
At the Heart Hackathon 2024 finals in Utsunomiya, Japan, the MAVIS team, representing Romania, was the sole contingent from a medical university and the only representative of the country. The 38 students, led by Dr. Alexandru Pleșoianu, made a profound impression upon the competition jury with the revolutionary design of the artificial heart, which measures only 4 centimetres and is capable of pumping 2 litres of blood per minute – a volume vital for the normal functioning of a newborn's organs. In addition, three of the younger participants presented the device to the judges, competing against elite teams from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Thailand, and Sweden.
The device developed by the MAVIS team represents not only an impressive technological advancement but also a promising solution for the thousands of infants born with heart failure annually. Statistical data indicates that over 3,500 cases are identified annually in Romania alone. The artificial heart, created using a three-dimensional printer, is designed to be implanted even in newborns, thereby providing them with the opportunity to survive.
The device is innovative in terms of both its dimensions and its functionality. The capacity to regulate the parameters in real time via a telephone connection represents a significant benefit for both medical practitioners and patients.
The MAVIS team's invention has been acknowledged at both national and international levels. The most significant distinctions include the "Medical Innovation of the Year" accolade from the Romanian HealthCare Awards, the "Award of Excellence" from the Romanian Research Gala, the first-place victory in the "Game of Science - Romania" Contest, and the yESAO Exchange Award 2024. These awards not only attest to the quality of the project but also highlight the immense potential of young Romanians to contribute to global scientific and medical advancement.
Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania has included the MAVIS team in the national campaign, "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development." This initiative, which is designed to highlight the contributions of young people who are transforming ideas into tangible solutions for the future, has recognized the MAVIS team for its efforts.
Although the MAVIS artificial heart will not yet be used in Romanian hospitals, as further pre-clinical and animal testing is required, the potential impact of this innovation is significant. The MAVIS project is not only transforming paediatric cardiology but also repositioning Romania as a global leader in medical innovation.
The achievements of young bio-engineers from Iași demonstrate that Romania has the potential to shape its future through determination, innovation and vision.
