Biomimetics and Dexterous Manipulation Lab

As a member of the Biomimetics and Dexterous Manipulation Lab (BDML) I conducted research on the treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). We created a spring device to mechanically stretch the left ventricle in one axis as well as a implantation jig to aid in the implantation of the spring device on a heart.

Ex vivo testing was conducted to attain feedback from surgeons on how to further iterate upon the jig device and spring device for maximal ease of use. After countless rounds of ex-vivo testing, a suitable design for the jig and spring device was attained. From there we moved forward to in-vivo test on rabbits. So far there has been one successful patient who had the device implanted and survived for the two week duration of the trial. During the trial the left ventricle exhibited overall chamber growth and showed favorable results.