This project aims to develop a mock circulatory flow loop for in vitro testing of patient-specific cardiac therapy devices, with the goal of occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The research will encompass three parts: (1) designing a steerable robotic catheter that can deliver a photosensitive biomaterial ink to the heart; (2) developing a physiologically relevant mock circulatory flow loop to optimize the catheter under circulatory flow conditions in a diverse spectrum of patient-derived defects; and (3) demonstrating successful LAA occlusion via in vivo 3D printing using the catheter system. If successful, this project will produce a minimally invasive and patient-specific method of stroke prevention in patients with AF.

I am participating in a SuperUROP to gain more experience in high-level research and in the field of bioelectronics/tissue engineering. Past projects in deep learning and bioelectronics have prepared me for this experience, and I am excited to learn more about the engineering of medical devices. This project excites me the most due to its interdisciplinary nature and relevant real-world applications.