# 231. The Patch That Can Heal a Broken Heart (Literally)

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2025-10-21
- Length: 12m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-10-21-231-the-patch-that-can-heal-a-broken-heart-literally
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/231-the-patch-that-can-heal-a-broken-heart-literally-2zHz90pz

## Summary

The hosts discuss a collaboration between ETH Zurich and the University Hospital of Zurich to create a Reinforced Cardiac (RC) patch for treating heart ruptures. They contrast this new 3D-printed solution with traditional bovine pericardial patches, highlighting the RC patch's ability to stimulate tissue regrowth via heart cell-loaded hydrogels and its biodegradable nature. The episode also covers the broader applications of 3D printing in medicine, including custom prosthetics, hearing aids, and surgical guides.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-10-21-231-the-patch-that-can-heal-a-broken-heart-literally#t=1) Introduction and Mouser Sponsor Read
- [3:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-10-21-231-the-patch-that-can-heal-a-broken-heart-literally#t=185) 3D Printing in Medical Devices and Dental Guides
- [5:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-10-21-231-the-patch-that-can-heal-a-broken-heart-literally#t=314) The RC Patch: Design and Components
- [8:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-10-21-231-the-patch-that-can-heal-a-broken-heart-literally#t=515) Animal Testing and Biodegradation Benefits

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ETH Zurich (company)
- University Hospital of Zurich (company)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Formlabs (company)
- Reinforced Cardiac Patch (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Life-Changing Reconstructive Surgeries Made Possible by Metal 3D Printing -- The Princess Moshoana Story](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-01-23-life-changing-reconstructive-surgeries-made-possible-by-metal-3d-printing-the-pr) (Additive Snack)

## Citing this page

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