Experimental study of the mechanics of the intra-aortic balloon

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This thesis deals with the mechanics of the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), the most widely used temporary cardiac assist device, whose beneficial action is based on the principle of counterpulsation. The investigation is carried out in vitro in increasingly more realistic setups, including a mock circulatory system with physiological distribution of peripheral resistance and compliance in which IABP counterpulsation was simulated. Pressure and flow measurements show the effect of variables such as intra-luminal pressure, angle and aortic compliance on balloon hemodynamics. These data are complemented by results on the duration of balloon inflation and deflation obtained by means of high-speed camera visualisation. Furthermore, wave intensity analysis is carried out and it is identified as a possible alternative method for the assessment of IABP performance. This work includes two prototypes of intra-aortic balloons of novel shape with the balloon chamber tapering both from and toward the balloon tip. In clinical terms, with reference to the semi-recumbent position in which patients assisted with the IABP are nursed in the intensive care unit, the results presented in this thesis indicate that operating the balloon at an angle compromises the benefit of counterpulsation when assessed in vitro

3D Printing Cardiovascular Anatomy: A Single-Centre Experience

This chapter presents the experience of the cardiac engineering team within the Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (London, UK) in using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. 3D models can serve different functions towards implementing a patient-specific approach for studying and potentially treating congenital heart disease (CHD). In order to showcase different potential applications, this chapter discusses not only clinical case studies and engineering experiments but also the potential for translation through patients and public involvement and engagement (PPI/E)

My core: Conveying the everyday normality of living with congenital heart disease

Feeling different, that others do not understand what it is really like to live with congenital heart disease (CHD), is a frequent lament of patients, sometimes resulting in social isolation and a failure to maximise opportunities afforded by successful treatment. Patients can disengage from health care, with potentially deleterious consequences for themselves and their families, health care systems and wider society. But what is the answer—how do we help patients to normalise their experience whilst at the same time enabling those around them to gain a greater appreciation of what life is like for them? Art-making can be one way of addressing this and we present an example of our experience, engaging patients in the process

Experimental study of the mechanics of the intra-aortic balloon

This thesis deals with the mechanics of the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), the most widely used temporary cardiac assist device, whose beneficial action is based on the principle of counterpulsation. The investigation is carried out in vitro in increasingly more realistic setups, including a mock circulatory system with physiological distribution of peripheral resistance and compliance in which IABP counterpulsation was simulated. Pressure and flow measurements show the effect of variables such as intra-luminal pressure, angle and aortic compliance on balloon hemodynamics. These data are complemented by results on the duration of balloon inflation and deflation obtained by means of high-speed camera visualisation. Furthermore, wave intensity analysis is carried out and it is identified as a possible alternative method for the assessment of IABP performance. This work includes two prototypes of intra-aortic balloons of novel shape with the balloon chamber tapering both from and toward the balloon tip. In clinical terms, with reference to the semi-recumbent position in which patients assisted with the IABP are nursed in the intensive care unit, the results presented in this thesis indicate that operating the balloon at an angle compromises the benefit of counterpulsation when assessed in vitro.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo