GrabCAD user Daniel Herzeberg has an interesting account of a model he has shared with the GrabCAD community. A model of a valve that just so happens to be firmly implanted his chest, keeping his blood a'flowin'.
Less than two months ago, Daniel underwent open-heart surgery to have the heart valve you see above put into . After the surgery he followed up on his new implant to find out a little more about the the technology keeping his ticker going. What he found out turned out to be a series of related and interesting finding that made the 3D CAD software he uses even more meaningful.
On-X Life Technologies
"My doctors then told me about a promising new valve from a company called On-X Life Technologies, Inc. The designers of this valve had paid extra attention to every aspect of their valve that would improve hemodynamics, and hopefully someday (once all the data come in) eliminate the need for blood thinners. Through my research of the valve, as well as my direct contact with the company, I’ve learned how they used SolidWorks to design this revolutionary, life-saving medical device."
From inlet flares and leaflet operation, X-flow redesigned a heart valve that reduces turbulence and clotting. I recommend you read the rest of his account at his website where he provides more detail on what went into the development of a heart valve that is providing new possibilities for heart patience. You may also be interested in the challenge he's put forth. Can you solve it?
Given the diameter of the valve and surrounding artery (1 inch) and my systolic (115 mmHg or 15.33 kPa), and diastolic (65 mmHg or 8.666 kPa) blood pressure, can you create a semi-accurate model of the valve opening and closing? Complete with snazzy visualizations, of course.
via Daniel Herzberg and SolidSmack.
