New Exhibition at RCSI Aims to Revolutionize Public Understanding of Heart Health
A new exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences is poised to transform public awareness of heart health and disease, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and deeply personal stories. Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of premature death and disability in Ireland, claiming nearly 9,000 lives annually, with an estimated 80% of these deaths potentially preventable.
A Human-Centered Approach to Cardiovascular Education
The exhibition, titled ‘Heart: more than a beat,’ officially opened on February 10th at the Humanarium, a recently launched space within RCSI’s new research and education building on Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green. The Humanarium is designed to host a continuous series of events focused on health sciences and medical research, making complex scientific concepts accessible to the wider public.
Dr. Alison Boyle, director of the Humanarium, articulated the exhibition’s core mission: to reveal “the science and stories behind every heartbeat.” The opening ceremony featured a particularly moving address from Ciarán Sloan, whose toddler son, James, underwent life-saving heart surgery at just 10 months old. Sloan and his partner, Cara McAreavey, discovered James had serious heart abnormalities during a routine 20-week pregnancy scan, initiating a challenging journey of treatment and recovery.
Witnessing the Impact of Surgical Innovation
The exhibition features a 3D-printed model of a human heart, a tool utilized by consultant surgeon Mr. Jonathan McGuiness in preparation for James’s complex surgery at Crumlin Hospital. Sloan lauded McGuiness as a “hero” to their family, emphasizing the exhibition’s potential to provide support and understanding to other parents facing similar circumstances. “It’s not [just] medical,” Sloan explained, “it shows the human side.”
McAreavey shared her experience of being “blindsided” by the initial diagnosis, but ultimately finding immense gratitude that James was able to receive the necessary surgical intervention. She recounted the emotional toll of having James’s surgery postponed twice due to emergency cases, acknowledging the medical team’s transparency in preparing them for such possibilities. Despite the difficulties, she expressed profound pride in James’s remarkable resilience. “You either sink or swim,” she stated, “and I chose to swim.”
Currently a thriving three-year-old, James was observed playing happily with his father during the exhibition opening, serving as a powerful testament to the advancements in cardiovascular care and the importance of ongoing research.
Pioneering Mechanical Heart Support for Children
The exhibition also highlights cutting-edge research aimed at improving treatment options for children with heart conditions. Dr. Aamir Hameed, a senior anatomy lecturer at RCSI, discussed his work developing mechanical heart support devices for small children, a project recently awarded funding through Research Ireland’s Frontier for the Future programme.
Dr. Hameed is a co-founder of Pumpinheart, an RCSI spin-out company that has prototyped a device to address advanced heart failure. He explained that in cases of diastolic heart failure, the heart muscle becomes stiff, hindering the left ventricle’s ability to fill properly, leading to reduced blood flow and fluid retention. The team’s implantable pump is designed to alleviate pressure in the left ventricle and enhance blood circulation.
While still in the early stages of development, Pumpinheart has secured €700,000 in seed funding and is actively seeking €2.5 million to initiate preclinical studies. Dr. Hameed acknowledged the ongoing challenge of securing funding, with a particular focus on attracting investment from the United States. He anticipates the possibility of commencing human trials within two years.
Beyond the pump itself, Dr. Hameed’s team is developing accompanying biosensors to monitor device performance and proactively prevent potential issues, such as low battery levels – a concern raised by one of his students. He admitted balancing research, teaching, and startup responsibilities is “not easy… but it’s my passion.”
Addressing Public Awareness and Early Intervention
Recent data from the National Office of Clinical Audit, as reported by RTÉ, indicates a decline in the number of individuals seeking emergency services within an hour of experiencing heart attack symptoms compared to the previous year. This finding underscores the urgent need for renewed public health campaigns focused on recognizing the early warning signs of a heart attack.
Dr. Hameed emphasized that many individuals, particularly younger patients, may dismiss their symptoms due to preconceived notions of what a heart attack “should” feel like. He believes the exhibition plays a crucial role in educating the public about heart health.
Journalist Maura Derrane, an ambassador for the Irish Heart Foundation, echoed this sentiment, urging individuals to obtain heart health information from reputable sources rather than relying on social media. She highlighted the tendency for women to disregard symptoms, which can be further complicated by the effects of menopause, and shared her own proactive approach to regular cholesterol checks since turning 50. “We need to take personal responsibility for our health,” she asserted.
For further information about the exhibition, visit the Humanarium website. The Humanarium’s funding is provided by Blackrock Health, AIB, Lanas, and HSE Healthy Ireland.
By Rebecca Graham, a Frontiers science journalism fellow at FutureNeuro Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science in RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Frontiers is a science journalism initiative funded by the European Research Council.
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