Week 8

This week in lab, the group received their 3D printed heart valve prototypes. The prototypes are shown in figures 1 and 2. The prototype on the left was printed with an outer diameter of three inches and will be used for display during the final presentation. The prototype on the right was printed with an outer diameter of one inch. This one will be used for testing. 

 Figure 1: Top view of both heart valves side by side

Figure 2: Isometric view of both heart valves side by side

In addition to the group receiving the 3D printed heart valve prototypes, the group obtained a water pump to use for testing. Testing went relatively well. The heart valve works but still needs improvement. Testing is shown in figure 3 below. 

Figure 3: A video clip from testing showing heart valves opening

The group believes problems could be arising due to the inaccuracy of the 3D printer. The hinges that allow the leaflets to open and close are not as smooth as designed. This causes the leaflets to experience friction and get caught on each other leaflet. 

Another thing that could have caused the friction of the leaflets, was how the prototype was attached to the pump. The tube that the valve was placed in was not completely cylindrical, resulting in an uneven pressure being applied to the prototype. This allowed for one of the leaflets to open and close more easily than the other two. 

Outside of lab, the group will continue to research ideal coatings for heart valves. These materials ideally will be able to be put inside of the body and will reduce the clicking sound made by heart valves. 

Week 7

Last week in lab, the group ordered the parts necessary for testing. The parts for testing included a tube and a water pump that is able to pump water at a sufficient volume and velocity.

Also during lab, the group spoke with Brandon Terronova to ensure that the 3D printer could print a scaled version of the heart valve for testing. This means that at the conclusion of this project, the team will have a heart valve with a diameter of 3 inches, which will be used as a model. The group will also have a heart valve with a diameter of 1 inch, which will be used for testing purposes. 

The testing will aim to prove that the design of the group's mechanical heart valve will limit the clicking sound made by existing heart valves. 

Week 6

This week in lab, the 3D model design was sent in to be printed out. The final design is shown in figures 1 and 2 below. Addition photos can be seen in figures 1 and 2 from week 5.

Figure 1: Close up view of the hinge, to which the leaflet will attach

Figure 2: View of an individual leaflet

Once the 3D model is printed out, testing will begin.

In addition, the group will be writing the draft of the final report. This final report will discuss the project overview, existing solutions, the project timeline, the budget and results.

Week 5

The group has be progressing with the design project. Research is being continued. In addition, the heart valve design has been completed. Additional improvements will be made as the research and testing phases progress. Figure 1 and 2 below show the model in it's current state during week 5.

Figure 1: Side view of heart valve design

Figure 2: Isometric view of heart valve design

Week 4

During lab time, the group talked to their advisors. During this discussion concerns about the project were brought up. These concerns included how the leaflets were going to attach to the ring of the heart valve, as well as what kind of materials would be best for the design.

After meeting with the advisors, the team continued to work on their design project. The design of current heart valves was researched more thoroughly, while the 3D model for the group's heart valve began. Slight changes will be made to the heart valve as research is done.

Figures 1 and 2 below show the progress of the heart valve at this point in the project. Both figures depict the ring of the heart valve design used for attachment to the aorta.

Figure 1

Figure 2

In addition to working on the heart valve, this blog had to be redesigned due to the switch in project topics. That was also done during the lab period. The change in the design project topic, meant that roles were reassigned. These roles were as follows:

• Ronald Vitola: Team Leader
• Jana Smuts: Lead Researcher / Journalist
• Elizabeth Higgins: Blogger / Technical Writer
• Yifan Zhu: researcher

Week 3

After conducting research all week long, the group decided that the original idea for an amniotic fluid detection pad was not feasible in the time allotted for the project. This was because the team learned that in order to test for a protein, additional heating is normally required as well as other steps. The group talked with both of their advisors once again and taking their recommendations and expertise into consideration, it was decided that the best course of action would be to think of a new project idea. The group decided to save the amniotic fluid tester for a later date.

A new project means that the group essentially had to start back at the drawing board; however, they were able to come up with a new idea. The new project will be focused on heart valves. Research will be done to determine current methods and materials used, as well as the problems that patients are currently facing. This information will then be used to develop an improved heart valve, that aims to decrease the number and frequency of problems faced by patients.

A new design proposal will be submitted before the start of lab in week 4. Then, once the group receives some feedback from their advisors, they will form a more concrete plan on how they should proceed with their project.

Week 2

This week in lab, the group met with their advisor and their lab fellow. During this meeting, the project was discussed. The group explained that the device was a sanitary pad that would detect the presence of amniotic fluid. The advisor and fellow expressed their areas of concern.

The areas of concern included the detection of amniotic fluid and possible false positives. These areas of concern will help the group determine the next steps that they need to take, in order to achieve the goal of delivering a working prototype.

During lab this week, the group also divided up research rolls for the next week, at least. It was determined that Ronnie and Jana would be in charge of deciding the best method to detect amniotic fluid. It was then determined that Elizabeth and Yifan would be in charge of researching the design of the pad, as well as the best materials to use.