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Boston Scientific: GRAPPLE fixation test method development

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Develop an accurate and repeatable test method that measures the tensile pull-out force of the GRAPPLE device.

Project Overview

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects roughly 50 million people worldwide and increases a patient's risk of stroke by up to 500%. In patients with AF, blood can collect in the left atrial appendage and form clots, making this appendage an important target for stroke prevention. The WATCHMAN implant produced by Boston Scientific was developed to address this issue by sealing off the left atrial appendage and preventing stroke-causing clots from escaping into the body. Although the device is designed to remain securely positioned within the heart, forces experienced during everyday activities or unexpected events may place stress on the implant, causing it to dislodge. Understanding how the device responds to these forces is therefore an important step in evaluating its mechanical stability and ensuring reliable performance. This project aims to develop a test method that can replicate these forces and evaluate the limits of the WATCHMAN device.

Team Picture

Team photo: Left to right: Carly Villa, Eleanor Hollander, Kat Sattel, Yeanne Hwang, Therese Kalt
Team photo: Left to right: Carly Villa, Eleanor Hollander, Kat Sattel, Yeanne Hwang, Therese Kalt

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