Scientists from LERCO have created a functional model of the heart

It serves as both a teaching aid and a popular exhibition piece

A fully functional model of the human heart, capable of simulating various heart pathologies and the functioning of implanted devices, is awaiting its manufacturer. It has attracted interest from both the public and representatives of medical faculties.

The interactive model of the human heart was created at the Technical University of Ostrava for the World of Technology exhibition in Dolní oblast Vítkovice. The heart model offers visitors a view of the anatomy and function of this vital organ and can also simulate the most common heart disorders. Through interactive elements, it allows the general public to understand what causes heart disorders and how they can be treated with the help of devices.

"As part of the LERCO project, we are involved in the detection of heart pathologies, which are a topical issue for society as a whole. This unique model was created on the basis of our negotiations with representatives of the World of Technology in Dolní oblast Vítkovice, who approached us to prepare an attractive functional exhibit for their exhibition. A model of the heart with simulations of heart disorders seemed like the obvious choice to us," explains Professor Martin Augustynek from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at VŠB-TUO, who, together with Ing. Michal Procházka and other colleagues from the Department of Cybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, is responsible for the creation of the model.

The model was created as a custom prototype based on the original laboratory solution developed by the VŠB-TUO research team. The custom development took several months, and it was necessary to modify not only the design but also the software to  meet the requirements of exhibition operation—i.e., intensive daily use by hundreds of visitors.

A heart for schools, hospitals, and universities

At this point, the model is protected by a functional sample and registered software. However, Professor Augustynka's team does not have the conditions or the goal of mass-producing the heart model, even though there is interest in a functional heart model. "The model certainly has potential as a teaching aid for medical schools, but also for patient education. Colleagues from the medical field have already seen the model and were enthusiastic. However, we do not have the capacity for mass production. If a company were to purchase the license and continue manufacturing the model, it would be a great way to get the model to end users and familiarize them with heart disorders and treatment options," Augustynek believes.

The heart model is certainly not the only output that attempts to bring the work of biomedical engineering scientists closer to the public. The team is also working on other aids and teaching tools, and the World of Technology in Dolní Vítkovice, where the heart model is currently on display, is also open to further cooperation.

“This exhibit is really popular with visitors. We appreciate its ease of use and quality of workmanship, as it can handle virtually non-stop operation,” adds Eliška Kulová, director of the World of Technology, who praises the collaboration with Professor Augustynek's team and is considering the implementation of other educational exhibits together with them.

What the heart can do

The exhibit allows visitors to measure their own heart rate, monitor their heartbeat, observe the spread of action potential through the heart muscle, and see what the resulting electrocardiographic signal looks like. In the form of an educational quiz, visitors can guess the simulated pathology modeled by the ECG signal and the mechanical activity of the heart model. The exhibit can simulate the thirteen most common heart pathologies, which is especially appreciated by older visitors.

"Teachers would like us to incorporate the exhibit more into our educational programs, which we offer to preschools, elementary schools, and high schools. We are, of course, working on this. The exhibit will be included in our new paid health education club, which we will be offering to children from September 2025," adds Eliška Kulová.

You can already view and try out the exhibit at the World of Technology in the World of Science and Discovery exhibition area, which is located on the ground floor of the science center building.