Automated Manufacturing for Artificial Heart Valves

Overview

Artificial heart valves are used to treat a wide variety of heart diseases. Our lab is developing a new polymer heart valve which is long-lasting and highly blood compatible. Currently, we manufacture our heart valves by hand and cut the valve leaflets manually using a heated scalpel. This approach leaves a lot of room for error and user experience. The aim of this VRES project is to design, build, and test an automated manufacturing system that can automatically cut our heart valves using a linear stage and heated element. This will allow us to significantly improve our valve manufacturing process.

Research engagement

The student will design, build, and validate an automatic valve cutting rig that allows fast separation of leaflets after moulding. The student will work with prototyping tools (CAD, printing, PCB prototyping) and the QUT workshop to manufacture a working system that can be deployed at the end of the VRES term.

Research activities

Students will work in a multidisciplinary engineering lab (electrical, mechanical, materials, and medicine) with a range of different engineering skills and experiences. Students will undertake design work using programs like SolidWorks and DesignSpark (modelling and electrical) and perform prototyping using 3D printing and traditional manufacturing methods. The student will create a test rig and control system using machined parts and micro-controllers. The student will build the valve cutting device in the laboratory and will design experiments to help validate the test system. Students will work independently, but will be supported by a larger team of more experienced engineers.

Research skills

The student will gain an improved understanding of anatomy and physiology. They will gain hands-on experience in a cardiovascular engineering lab. They will learn how to design and execute their own research. They will learn how to work in a larger multidisciplinary team as a part of a larger biomedical engineering project.

Outcomes

This project will result in a new automated valve cutter tester which will be used as a part of our new polymer-based artificial heart valve manufacturing process.

Skills and experience

The ideal candidate will have a background in Mechatronics, Electrical, Medical, or Mechanical Engineering. Some understanding of microcontrollers and analogue circuit design will be useful. The candidate should be practically competent (hands-on) and comfortable working with their hands. The candidate will benefit from having experience in benchtop testing. The candidate should have a strong work ethic and integrate well into a team environment, but be self-motivated to complete tasks.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

GP-O222 ACE Lab

Keywords

• biomedical engineering
• Cardiovascular
• Heart Valves
• Health
• Manufacturing
• Control

Contact

Andrew Stephens

82335

andrew.f.stephens@qut.edu.au