Model Heart Valves
Students use provided materials to design and build prototype artificial heart valves. Their functioning is demonstrated using water to simulate the flow of blood through the heart. Upon completion, teams demonstrate their fully functional prototypes to the rest of the class, along with a pamphlet that describes the device and how it works.
Sometimes valve replacement surgery is the most effective way to treat heart valve issues, and biomedical engineers play a critical role by designing artificial heart valves.Copyright U.S. National Institutes of Health http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/april2009/04272009heartsurgery.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100161_6.htm
Biomedical engineers design devices, such as artificial heart valves, to help save people's lives. Following the steps of the engineering design process is critical, especially when the health and safety of humans are involved. Biomedical engineers must understand thechallenge, test their designs and revise as necessary to develop a safe and reliable solution.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Follow the steps of the engineering design process to design and build a working prototype of a heart valve.
- Create an informational pamphlet that advertises a product, describing its function, benefits and effectiveness.