PI: Christopher Bettinger
Co-PI(s): Dr. Scott Halbreiner
University: Carnegie Mellon University
Industry partner: Allegheny Health Network
Here we propose a flexible sensor array to monitor cardiac function in patients after heart transplantation. Our flexible electronic strain sensor will measure critical aspects of cardiac function while minimizing risk to the patient compared to current devices. (a) Pittsburgh is the heart transplant capital of the world having performed the first heart transplant and >17,000 procedures since. Heart transplants are a vital function of the healthcare system in Pittsburgh including Allegheny Health Network. (b) Objective 1: Design, fabricate, and test sensor arrays composed of micro-structured platinum and ultra-compliant silicones. Objective 2: Measure cardiac output using an in vivo swine model. (c) We will design and fabricate strain sensor arrays using extensible micro-structured platinum and ultra-compliant silicone-based bottle-brush elastomers. Both platinum and silicone are FDA-approved and thus will increase the likelihood of clinical translation. Sensor arrays will be calibrated in vitro and then in vivo with partners from AGH. (d) We will obtain results in the form of sensor prototypes and characterization of device function both in vitro and in vivo. (e) A novel sensor array to monitor cardiac output after transplant could improve patient outcomes and thus further codify Pittsburgh (and AHN) as an international leader for heart transplants.