Exploring the Biomedical Engineering Simulation and Testing Lab

September 7, 2022 Dr Hari Arora

Hi, I am Dr Hari Arora, the Manager for the Biomedical Engineering Simulation and Testing Lab.

As the name suggests, we work across the fields of experimental and computational mechanics, with a current focus on soft tissue mechanics and biomaterials.

Research Overview

There are multiple projects themes, collaborating across the university and beyond, with Biomedical Engineers working closely with clinicians and industry to solve problems relating to, for example, cardiovascular, lymphatics and respiratory mechanics, amongst many others. Challenges can be very acute, needing fast solutions and some can be chronic, where interventions to improve quality of life are of focus.

My experiences in trauma biomechanics exposed me to the extreme end of the spectrum for short term and long term issues. Many solutions and approaches developed there, transfer to other diseases/challenges needing multidisciplinary approaches using a mix of computational and experimental methods, considerate of material behaviour, fluids and structural mechanics.

Testing heart valves

Our team, co-led by members across the Computational Biomechanics Research Group, have created a workflow for testing artificial heart valves and interventions for diseased blood vessels. Based on established computational expertise, parameterised geometries of heart valves have been created and simulated as well as patient specific models acquired from medical images. Often high-fidelity testbeds are required to capture the local mechanical state envisaged to ensure devices/implants can be rigorously tested in an appropriate manner. Simplified physical models enable benchmarks to be performed comparing experiments with computational models to learn as much about a situation/environment as possible.

Detailed characterisation of delicate structures like valves (or vessels, lungs, skin) is a challenge. Conventional methods of instrumentation can heavily influence results and therefore non-contact approaches, in particular optical methods, are adopted to provide full-field information on the deformations of such structures. With such test beds and instrumentation in place, novel materials, tissue engineered structures, can then be tested with confidence that the physics of the environment and structural response are well characterised.

3D printed lungs. Credit: www.huwjohn.com

Working with clinicians

Platforms developed within our lab are powerful to engage with key stakeholders i.e. clinicians. The aim is that these test beds help expedite the development of medical devices for a range of applications – with a physical platform being key to engage stakeholders. Translation of a given medical device to application is a long road but platforms such as these mean co-development is feasible with stakeholders/clinicians. Buy-in and co-development at the early phases ensures a real current need is being addressed and is targeted.

Computational biomechanics is well established here at Swansea. Developing complementary experimental platforms are opening up new opportunities. Experimental benchmarks build confidence in the powerful computational mechanics models. The greater such confidence, the more likely translation can occur to practice. This is already taking effect with splinter projects forming each week. Tangible devices are important for engagement and communication of ideas, as well as developing the innovative solutions themselves. We specialise in having that experimental tangible device backed up by computational methods and vice versa.

Timescales vary from project to project. Some have immediate needs, particularly those driven by current affairs or industrial need. Having a Department of such diverse researchers provides a solid base of expertise to tackle the most interesting and challenging questions, whether that needs data science techniques, biochemistry, biomaterials, or as shown within our lab, experimental and computational mechanics approaches.  The lab space is geared towards enabling rapid transition from concept/medical image to design, manufacture, instrument and test.

What’s next for the project?

Now that basic experimental platforms are in this space, the next phase is to advance the materials and manufacturing methods used to create tissue/organ phantoms, including to better integrate with the Tissue Engineering groups within the Biomedical Engineering Department and across the university. At the same time, the scope to invite further medical intervention discussions and create appropriate solutions in such a space, working with clinicians, will increase in frequency.

How has the IMPACT operation helped your research? 

The open flexible space within the IMPACT building has facilitated greater collaboration internally and externally. Moreover, the development of researchers across levels, from undergraduate upwards, has certainly benefitted from this initiative that started with the Department but grew fantastically within this new home as part of the IMPACT operation. Specific investments have provided the basic infrastructure to bring researchers together on an interdisciplinary project. Without key equipment, such tests and measurements are not feasible. The open nature of the IMPACT operation to include both the computational groups as well as the experimental has encouraged more cross-over due to funding opportunities being open to all.

Awaiting Welsh translation.

 

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