Simulation of a mechanical thrombectomy device based in the use of self-expandable stents for the blood clots extraction

Recently, we have presented some studies concerning the analysis, design and optimization of one experimental device developed in the UK - GPTAD - which has been designed to remove blood clots without the need to make contact with the clot itself, thereby potentially reducing the risk of problems such as downstream embolisation. Based on the idea of a modification of the previous device, in this work, we present a model based in the use of stents like the SolitaireTM FR, which is in contact with the clot itself. In the case of such devices, the stent is self-expandable and the extraction of the blood clot is faciliatated by the stent, which must be inside the clot. Such stents are generally inserted in position by using the guidewire inserted into the catheter. This type of modeling could potentially be useful in showing how the blood clot is moved by the various different forces involved. The modelling has been undertaken by analyzing the resistances, compliances and inertances effects. We model an artery and blood clot for range of forces for the guidewire. In each case we determine the interaction between blood clot, stent and artery

Simulation of the GPTAD applied to the removal of blood clots that arise during Peripheral Vascular Disease

A number of thrombectomy devices using a variety of methods have now been developed to facilitate clot removal. We present research involving one such experimental device recently developed in the UK, called a 'GP' thrombus-aspiration-device (GPTAD). This device has the potential to bring about the extraction of a thrombus. Although the device is at a relatively early stage of development, the results look encouraging. We present an analysis of modelling this device using modelling techniques. Such modelling appears to be highly effective in simulating the device under a variety of conditions with a view to assisting in the optimisation of the GPTAD. The aim of this simulation model is to obtain the minimum pressure necessary to extract the clot and to verify that, both the pressure and the time required to complete the clot extraction are reasonable for use in clinical situations, and are consistent with any experimentally obtained data

Analysis and simulation of the adhesion forces between clot and the artery wall for a novel thrombectomy device applied to the Middle Cerebral Artery

A number of Thrombectomy devices using a variety of methods have now been developed to facilitate clot removal. We present research involving one such experimental device recently developed in the UK, called a 'GP' Thrombus Aspiration Device (TAD). This device has the potential to improve the process of extracting thrombosis clots in the cerebral arteries. The development of a simulation model for this device is shown using Bond-Graph formalism applied to modeling and simulating the adhesion forces between the clot and the artery wall. Bond-Graph technique is a visual methodology that adds more transparency to the processes and it has turned out to be remarkably useful as it is a simple, effective method that can be applied to any physical system where there is a power exchange. Such modelling appears to be able to simulate the device under a variety of conditions which may assist in the optimisation of the `GP' TAD device if the novel design features of the device can be effectively incorporated into the model

Managing Industrial Simulator Visual Databases Using Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems are developed to handle enormous volumes of data and are equipped with numerous functionalities intended to capture, store, edit, organise, process and analyse or represent the geographically referenced information. On the other hand, industrial simulators for driver training are real-time applications that require a virtual environment, either geospecific, geogeneric or a combination of the two, over which the simulation programs will be run. In the final instance, this environment constitutes a geographic location with its specific characteristics of geometry, appearance, functionality, topography, etc. The set of elements that enables the virtual simulation environment to be created and in which the simulator user can move, is usually called the Visual Database (VDB). The main idea behind the work being developed approaches a topic that is of major interest in the field of industrial training simulators, which is the problem of analysing, structuring and describing the virtual environments to be used in large driving simulators. This paper sets out a methodology that uses the capabilities and benefits of Geographic Information Systems for organising, optimising and managing the visual Database of the simulator and for generally enhancing the quality and performance of the simulator

Simulation of the `GP´ MTD Device intended for the extraction of blood clots by using the Bond Graph technique

This article covers the analysis and research into a device recently developed by the University of Wolverhampton (UK), called a 'GP' MTD Mechanical Thrombectomy Device, under the direction of Dr G. Pearce. This device will improve the process of extracting thrombosis clots in the cerebral arteries. On the one hand, the development of the simulation model of this device is shown by using Bond-Graph formalism and, on the other hand, the optimization of its performance in the very near future, from the interpretation of the results

Valoración de las asignaturas de Expresión Gráfica dentro de los planos de los proyectos fin de carrera

En la ETSII-UPM las asignaturas troncales de Dibujo Técnico bajo diferentes denominaciones se imparten en el primer curso de las titulaciones de Ingeniería Industrial e Ingeniería Química. Dado que suele ser el PFC el primer documento en el que generalmente los alumnos incluyen planos, se pretende conocer y valorar el empleo que hacen de los conocimientos adquiridos en las asignaturas de Dibujo Técnico en la elaboración de los planos de los PFC. A través del análisis de los planos incluidos en los PFC se pretende conocer el grado de aplicación de estos conocimientos específicos en las distintas intensificaciones, la temática de los proyectos, tipo de información que contienen, empleo adecuado de las normas, herramientas empleadas en su elaboración, normativas empleadas, etc., con el fin detectar deficiencias, errores en conocimientos, malas prácticas en su ejecución, etc. y así disponer de información adicional que permita ajustar los contenidos, evaluación y metodología de las materias impartidas con el fin de mejorar la docencia. El estudio se ha realizado tomando como referencia los PFC de los últimos 4 años, para todas las especialidades y convocatorias

Ayuda al aprendizaje: La inyectora virtual

Esta comunicación se enmarca dentro de un proyecto para desarrollar una herramienta informática enfocada a mejorar la calidad de la enseñanza mediante técnicas de realidad virtual. Esta herramienta se presenta como complemento para ampliar y reforzar la gama de recursos que el alumno dispone para adquirir conocimientos prácticos en inyección de plásticos, y así poder utilizarlos con éxito en el marco del diseño, selección y parametrizacióndel proceso de inyección en la fabricación de piezas. El presente trabajo describe algunos aspectos sobre la aplicación desarrollada como resultado del proyecto de innovación educativa IE06 0525-049 financiado por la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. En el diseño y desarrollo de la herramienta se tuvo muy en cuenta el interfaz visual, que se ha encomendado a dos visuales que se comunican con una ventana de introducción de datos. En esta ventana, el alumno puede interactuar con la máquina virtual decidiendo los parámetros más adecuados para el ejercicio elegido, así como detectar y corregir los errores cometidos gracias a la ayuda de la visualización de la pieza defectuosa. Se ha desarrollado el modelo virtual en 3D de una inyectora y de un panel de control similar al de las máquinas de inyección reales, que es operable por los estudiantes, y cuya respuesta varía de acuerdo a un modelo incorporado basado en lógica borrosa y a los parámetros introducidos por el usuario

Simulation Model of the Scanner Servocontrols for the Orientation of a Fighter Aircraft by Using the Bond Graph Technique

Nowadays the use of complex models has increased the requirements of the simulation tools and techniques for working and analyzing with different domains at the same time. This work focuses on the study of the Scanner servocontrols of a fighter aircraft. The model has the feature of integrating various physical domains into the same system (electrical, mechanical and system control environments) with different dimensions in each domain. The technique used is the Bond Graph (BG), which is typically used in fields where different physical domains coexist, just as in the case we are dealing with, where such domains are fundamental. At the beginning of the study, the different coordinate references are introduced and the physical subsystems are also described. After this the different subsystems are presented in the form of BG submodels one by one and the global Multibond Graph (MBG) model is displayed. Lastly, an example of simulation is shown and some important conclusions are reached

Modelling the Interoperability and the Use of Control Equipment in Electrical Substations

Simulators can be defined as information systems which reliably reproduce specific phenomena and they are mainly used in training, although their field of application has grown to include manufacturing and medicine among others. In electrical engineering, simulation is an indispensable tool when working with complex systems due to the fact that it enables engineers to understand how systems work without actually needing to see them. They can learn how they work in different circumstances and optimize their design with considerably less cost in terms of time and money than if they had to carry out tests on a physical system. By using computer simulation, not only can an electrical system be designed, but it can also be optimized and its behavior examined in-depth more quickly and cheaply than by using prototypes, tests or analytical studies. Therefore, by being able to see the responses produced as the different parameters are varied, a much deeper understanding of the system under study is reached. In order to properly simulate a virtual world, technologies such as realistic graphics and dynamic simulation with real-time calculations must be used. Peripherals must be used for the system to interact with the user and the immersion comes as a result of stimuli to sight, hearing and touch. A critical factor is the possibility to solve the equations in real-time; that is, there should be no delay compared to the normal environment’s response. There is an important amount of effort being directed towards these objectives. This paragraphs deals with the development of an operation simulator for training and the fundamental objective is to develop a simulator for electrical substations. It will present the methodology to model, simulate and optimize the interoperability and the use of control equipment in electrical an substation to train operators by means of a virtual reality environment

Simulation of an Asynchronous Machine by using a Pseudo Bond Graph

For engineers, computer simulation is a basic tool since it enables them to understand how systems work without actually needing to see them. They can learn how they work in different circumstances and optimize their design with considerably less cost in terms of time and money than if they had to carry out tests on a physical system. However, if computer simulation is to be reliable it is essential for the simulation model to be validated. There is a wide range of commercial brands on the market offering products for electrical domain simulation (SPICE, Lab VIEW PSCAD, Dymola, Simulink,, Simplorer,...). These are powerful tools, but require the engineer to have a perfect knowledge of the electrical field. This paper shows an alternative methodology to can simulate an asynchronous machine using the multi domain Bond Graph technique and apply it in any program that permit the simulation of models based in this technique; no extraordinary knowledge of this technique and electric field are required to understand the process