Experimental Cardiovascular Systems

Heart disease is a leading cause of death both in the United States and worldwide, leading to millions of premature deaths each year. As a result, cardiovascular health has become a major concern for people of all ages as problems such as heart attacks and strokes become more prevalent. The Experimental Cardiovascular System and Novel Design for Blood Pump Device Creative Inquiry projects work to find ways to combat this growing international health issue. The students in these Creative Inquiry teams produce prototypes of medical devices and testing equipment for cardiovascular systems. Dr. Ethan Kung, Department of Mechanical Engineering, oversees both projects and says that the students’ work could prove useful in the medical field, improving the study and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The idea for the projects began in the incoming freshman EUREKA! Program and, under the guidance of Kung, grew into the two Creative Inquiry projects. Many of the students involved are freshmen and sophomores looking for a way to gain hands-on experience and to discover the nuances of their field. Ross Brown, a freshman general engineering major, joined the project to gain this experience. “I was surprised at the level of precision needed for this kind of work,” Brown said.

The students working on the Experimental Cardiovascular System project are designing a prototype that replicates human cardiovascular physiology and anatomy. Currently, these students are creating a device that mimics blood pressure waveforms, an essential part of the simulated cardiovascular system. This system, once completed, could be used in medical device testing and clinical training.

Meanwhile, the Novel Design for Blood Pump Device project is tackling another important aspect of heart patient care. Current models of ventricular assist devices, which help weakened cardiovascular systems pump blood, often cause blood clotting called thrombosis, that can lead to a stroke, heart attack or failure of the ventricular device. The team is attempting to address the problem of thrombosis associated with these devices by working on a new design for a ventricular device that uses a motor to move blood through the blood vessel. This prototype could change the way ventricular devices move blood through systems, diminishing the threat of thrombosis.

Both projects tie together different aspects of engineering to improve heart disease research and treatment options. The prototypes the students produce can potentially help patients as well as students and practitioners who study the cardiovascular system. These devices not only impact the Creative Inquiry students but have the potential to make an impact in heart health.