Development of test method to measure force required to displace watchman support device from left atria of the heart.

Project Overview

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac pathology that causes irregular contraction of the heart's left atria. Such irregular contractions risk pooling of blood and thus the formation of blood clots in the atria which may lead to a cascade of health issues. While blood thinners can be used to prevent these clots they often have negative side effects. The general goal of this project is to use Boston Scientific's WATCHMAN™ implant device as a safer alternative method to prevent blood clots in patients with AF. The main goal of this project is to develop a test method to measure the force the device can withstand before significant movement of the device occurs. These forces will model in-vivo conditions in the heart during a fall, sneeze, cough, etc. that may occur in a patient. Using this test method, we hope to develop a valid and reliable way to test the limits of the device and to ensure necessary clinical requirements have been met.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Rohit Raghunathan - Co-Team Leader
• Saketh Peddireddy - Co-Team Leader & BSAC
• Adrian Cruz-Perez - Communicator
• Maiwand Tarazi - BWIG
• Zakki Mirza - BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Dr. Russ Johnson - Advisor
• Carl Parent - Client
• Jenna Warden - Alternate Contact