Heart Valve Model

Our Goal

For this project we were tasked with developing a model mimicking the functioning of the aortic valve inside the heart. We identified materials to represent the real parts of the human heart valves, tested each material's elasticity, and finally  design and build a working prototype. We ended up building two prototypes, the second version a modified version of the first.

In part 1 of the project we brainstormed as we researched the heart's structure, blood flow, heart valve mechanics, and valve tissue anatomy. Part 2 focused on understanding elasticity & Young's Modulus for tissue analysis, helping us identify materials for our model. In part 3 we designed and built our prototype, tested it, and then modified as needed. These were the last few steps of the project, so they really helped our model succeed in the challenge.

Evidence of Work

Content

Aortic Valve -

1 of 4 valves that control blood flow in the heart. it separates the left ventricle from the aorta and helps keep blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart

Valve Tissue - 

their function is to promote coordinated forward blood flow during the cardiac cycle, and they are highly organized connective tissue structures populated with dynamic cell populations

Young's Modulus - 

a measure of the ability of a material to withstand changes in length when under lengthwise tension or compression; a measure of elasticity that is found by dividing stress over strain

Elasticity - 

defined by a material’s ability to return to original shape after stress is applied then removed

Stress vs Strain - 

stress is the amount of force applied to an object, while strain is force tending to pull or stretch something to an extreme. every material has a unique response to stress and strain. stress = force divided by cross-sectional area. 

strain = change in length / initial length

Force - 

strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement

Aorta - 

the main artery that carries blood away from your heart to the rest of your body. the blood leaves the heart through the aortic valve and travels through the aorta

Trilaminar Structure - 

3 layers existing on top of one another; the aortic valve has a trilaminar structure that is made up of the ventricularis, spongiosa and fibrosa layers

Reflection

Overall, I really enjoyed this project and it was a great way for my team to better our engineering skills with the engineer design cycle. We worked really well together to produce a working valve.

I collaborated well with my team members during this project. Building a heart valve model from scratch required a lot of background research, brainstorming, and trial and error. We made group docs, updated the padlet, and shared our findings to ensure everyone had a thorough understanding of the material. By splitting up the work we were able to get more work completed in less amount of time. I also exemplified good conscientious learning  in this project as I managed my time well, was in class every day, and took initiative to set goals each day for my group.

One thing I can improve for the next project is my critical thinking skills and character. We had to go through many ideas and try different things with our valve to make it work. In this process I found myself feeling stuck after my first 1 or 2 ideas. I think as the class continues my creativity and critical thinking will improve. I want to try and keep a growth mindset, even when feeling stuck, to contribute to a positive environment for my team.