Peer-Reviewed Study Demonstrates Preserved Platelet Function in Realheart® TAH

Platelets play a critical role in blood clotting and are involved in both bleeding and thrombotic complications associated with mechanical circulatory support devices. While hemolysis and other blood compatibility measures are commonly evaluated, platelet function represents another important aspect of device safety and performance.

The study assessed multiple aspects of platelet function after circulation through the Realheart® TAH under clinically relevant laboratory conditions. Using several complementary analytical methods, the researchers evaluated platelet integrity, responsiveness, activation status and clotting-related functionality. The results showed that platelets retained their functionality and responsiveness after circulation through the Realheart® TAH. Importantly, the study found no evidence of impaired platelet functionality or clotting-related responses attributable to the device.

“Artificial heart systems must achieve a high degree of blood compatibility to support long-term clinical use. This study demonstrates preserved platelet function after circulation through the Realheart® TAH and complements our previously published hemolysis findings. Together, these results strengthen the scientific foundation supporting the continued development of our technology,” says Ina Laura Perkins, CEO of Scandinavian Real Heart.

The study concludes that platelet function represents an important and distinct aspect of hemocompatibility that should be evaluated alongside other blood compatibility parameters when assessing artificial heart technologies. The publication expands Scandinavian Real Heart’s growing body of scientific evidence supporting the development of the Realheart® TAH, a total artificial heart designed to mimic the physiology of the natural human heart through its unique pulsatile, four-chamber design. Together with previously published studies demonstrating favorable hemocompatibility characteristics, the findings contribute to a broader understanding of the device’s interaction with blood components, and important consideration in the development of mechanical circulatory support systems.

The article, entitled “Functionality of platelets after in vitro testing of pulsatile total artificial hearts”, was authored by researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Scandinavian Real Heart and has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Platelets. The publication is available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09537104.2026.2741743