The development of a novel total artificial heart using advanced computational methods

IET BYP Technical Series - Healthcare Webinar 2

Joe Bornoff MEng, PhD Student, University of Bath

Joe is a third-year PhD student in mechanical engineering at the University of Bath. His research focus is the use of advanced computational methods to undertake a multi-scale analysis of a novel total artificial heart. He specialises in the application and development of computational fluid dynamics and fluid-structure interaction methods in the field of mechanical circulatory support to improve device design and operation. Joe received his master’s in mechanical engineering also from the University of Bath, graduating in 2020.

The number of available donor hearts for patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure is limited. To bridge the gap to transplant, doctors can turn to a total artificial heart; a mechanical device that completely replaces the native heart and takes over its function of pumping blood around the body. This talk will present a novel total artificial heart that aims to overcome issues with current generation devices such as thromboemboli and infection. By using advanced modelling techniques such as computational fluid dynamics and hybrid mock loop simulators, the development of this novel artificial heart has been accelerated and is rapidly moving towards regulatory approval. The creation, implementation and validation of these computational methods will be discussed, showcasing how simulation can play a vital role in the development of new technology.