Title: Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) for biomedical applications

Introduction

Disorders associated with excessive swelling of the lower extremities are common. They can be associated with pain, varicose veins, reduced blood pressure when standing and may cause syncope or fainting. The common physical remedy to these disorders is the use of compression stockings and pneumatic compression leg massagers, which both attempt to limit blood pooling and capillary filtration in the lower limbs. However, compression stockings are not able to adapt to the changing of patients' physiological conditions, and their efficiency has been challenged according to some recent studies. Air compression leg massagers on the other hand, restricts patient mobility. In this research we therefore present an innovative active compression bandage based on the use of a smart materials technology that could produce intermittent active pressure.

Technology

We proposed the use of shape memory alloys (SMAs) for the design of an ambulatory active compression bandage (ACB). This ACB, which is capable of actively applying an altering external pressure on the lower limbs, has been prototyped using smart alloys technology and its performance was investigated. SMAs are a group of metallic alloys that exhibit the characteristics of either large recoverable strains or large force due to temperature and/or load changes. They have drawn strong interest in recent years in a large variety of applications including in biomedical engineering.

Objectives

Focus of this project is to develop a novel bandage embedded with SMAs. The coop student involved in this project will assist in some of the following tasks:

-       Improve design of ACB using SMAs

-       Develop software/electronics to control SMAs

-       Integrate bandages with SMAs

-       Assist tests with volunteers

The student will work with the assistance of graduate students and/or Post doctorate fellows. 

Prerequisite: 

-       at least 100 credit hours;

-       CGPA>2.8;

Notes:

§  Minimum honorarium is provided;

§  The ideal candidate would like to contribute in applied research and be willing to work on a mechatronic project. However, students with expertise in at least one of the above mentioned seven subsystems are invited to apply;

NB: There is a strong possibility to be involved in the publication of a scientific article.