The goal of this project is to design, evaluate, and test embolic protection capture device to be used during a trans-aortic valve replacement.

Project Overview

When patients get trans-aortic valve replacements (TAVR procedures), emboli (free-floating objects) are often produced when valve calcification is broken up. These emboli can cause stroke by travelling into the carotid and left subclavian arteries. The team is first tasked with understanding the anatomy of the heart, aorta, and the arteries (2 carotid and 1 left subclavian), and how particulate can travel through this anatomy to cause stroke. We will continue to research and understand commonly used medical device materials and existing embolic protection devices that are similar. In addition, we will build on existing BSC models and anonymous patient data to create an anatomical model with the ability to release/circulate particulates. This model will be used to evaluate our embolic protection device prototypes. Then we will create one or more digital embolic protection prototype concept using CAD software with a focus on the collapsible filter frame/scaffold. Using the BSC and UW Madison resources to create prototypes based on the digital models, we will be able to test our devices in the anatomical model and continue to iterate and improve the design based on model testing feedback.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Brooke Weyenberg - Team Leader
• Seth Roge - Communicator
• Rehaan Machhi - BSAC
• Darby Macleish - BWIG
• Jared Zunenshine - BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Justin Williams - Advisor
• Ms. Jessica Brand - Client
• Mr. Alex Wiedmann - Alternate Contact
• Ms. Lisa Shoemaker - Alternate Contact

Related Projects

• Spring 2021: Boston Scientific: Embolic Protection Testing
• Fall 2020: Boston Scientific: Embolic protection capture device