Pectus Excavatum requires multiple procedures as a person outgrows the Nuss bar that holds up their sternum. Our project eliminates the need to take out and replace the Nuss bar. It creates a bar that grows along with the patient through a robotically extended bar. The extension method is through telescoping, where the bar is broken up into pieces that fit into each other. The success of this project would revolutionize this procedure since the new procedure would be significantly less invasive.
Researcher
Performs extensive research on Pectus Excavtum, Medical grade materials, properties of Nitinol alloys, and loads of the bar structures.Drafter
Drafting blueprints and deciding on designs. The designs of the structure were sketched and drawn out before collectively deciding on designs and reworking those. This involved dimensions.Model
3D modeling the structure and ensuring a visible and solid view of the product. TinkerCad was used for this.Objectives
Flexible and Strong Material
Minimally Invasive
Modifiable through External Means
Adaptable for Individual Patients
Lifetime Durability
Easy Extension
Next Steps
Animating Extension
Load and Pressure Testing
Physical Prototypes
Clinical Testing
Determining Limitations
Making Modifications
Reflection Essays
Mentor Bio
Curriculum Facilitator at STEM Early College at NC A&T
lassits@gcsnc.com
Professor in Chemical, Biological, and Bioengineering Department at NC A&T
mattmb@ncat.edu