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Investigating multiple force patches applied on the heart's epicardium
External ventricular assist devices might be the number one treatment for patients suffering from heart failure in the future. We are using both numerical methods and experiments to investigate open questions and to improve our prototype‘s design. Student projects are conceivable in different fields
Ventricular assist devices are implanted regularly in hospitals to compensate for heart failure. The devices are simple flow pumps rotating at a constant speed. Although this saves the patient‘s life, many disadvantages occur either, particularly through the contact between the device and the blood. One way to avoid this is to deploy force patches on the epicardium, similarly to heart-massage by hand. At the Institute of Fluid Dynamics the influence of such force patches are investigated computationally and two prototypes have been manufactured and tested in experiments.
Based on the knowledge obtained through previous work, the next generation device is likely to only have two patches. The first goal of this project will be to create a three-dimensional CAD model of an improved concept. After manufacturing, the device will be attached to both the actuation and the blood circulation unit. For first experiments, a silicon model of the human heart will be used, in later phases pic hearts might be an option. Certain investigations like the stress distribution inside the heart tissue can be obtained easier by computational simulations than by experiments. Therefore, the device will also be implemented into our computational heart framework. From both experiments as well as computer simulations, the student shall propose improvements for future devices.
For both creative design phases as well as manufacturing purposes, we have a collaboration with Cardiocentro Ticino in Lugano. Discussions with surgeons are important and valuable. The device-prototype will be tested in experiments on test benches in Zurich and in Lugano.
Ventricular assist devices are implanted regularly in hospitals to compensate for heart failure. The devices are simple flow pumps rotating at a constant speed. Although this saves the patient‘s life, many disadvantages occur either, particularly through the contact between the device and the blood. One way to avoid this is to deploy force patches on the epicardium, similarly to heart-massage by hand. At the Institute of Fluid Dynamics the influence of such force patches are investigated computationally and two prototypes have been manufactured and tested in experiments.
Based on the knowledge obtained through previous work, the next generation device is likely to only have two patches. The first goal of this project will be to create a three-dimensional CAD model of an improved concept. After manufacturing, the device will be attached to both the actuation and the blood circulation unit. For first experiments, a silicon model of the human heart will be used, in later phases pic hearts might be an option. Certain investigations like the stress distribution inside the heart tissue can be obtained easier by computational simulations than by experiments. Therefore, the device will also be implemented into our computational heart framework. From both experiments as well as computer simulations, the student shall propose improvements for future devices.
For both creative design phases as well as manufacturing purposes, we have a collaboration with Cardiocentro Ticino in Lugano. Discussions with surgeons are important and valuable. The device-prototype will be tested in experiments on test benches in Zurich and in Lugano.
- Literature study on heart physiology and medical device engineering
- Devise possible improvements of the current assist device design
- Create a 3D model of the new concept and organise manufacturing
- Attach the device to our existing blood circulation and actuation units
- Implement (C++) the actuation unit controller for an optimal heart contraction pattern
- Test and improve the prototype in experiments (at IFD and Cardiocentro in Lugano)
- Determine stress peaks inside the tissue by simulating your new device in our computational heart framework
- Based on both experimental and computational results, propose conceivable improvements
- Write a report and present your work
We can also discuss topics which go more into computational heart studies, implementing parts for our device control- and actuation system or designing components for our latest assist device prototype.
- Literature study on heart physiology and medical device engineering - Devise possible improvements of the current assist device design - Create a 3D model of the new concept and organise manufacturing - Attach the device to our existing blood circulation and actuation units - Implement (C++) the actuation unit controller for an optimal heart contraction pattern - Test and improve the prototype in experiments (at IFD and Cardiocentro in Lugano) - Determine stress peaks inside the tissue by simulating your new device in our computational heart framework - Based on both experimental and computational results, propose conceivable improvements - Write a report and present your work
We can also discuss topics which go more into computational heart studies, implementing parts for our device control- and actuation system or designing components for our latest assist device prototype.