PhD Studentship: Mechanical testing of biological heart valves

Severe heart valve failure can require surgical repair or replacement of the valve. This project will investigate the biomechanical causes of failure and use a flow simulator to assess new strategies for repair.

Related Subjects:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in the School, the funding opportunities available for your subject, and guidance on making your application, you can order a copy of our Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/drp

Funding Notes

This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution and is in competition for funding with one or more projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Non-UK Students: If you have the correct qualifications and access to your own funding, your application to work on this project will be considered. You can search for funding at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding. For application advice, please contact: dr@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

References

• MYS Kuan, DM Espino. 2015. Systolic fluid-structure interaction model of the congenitally bicuspid aortic valve: assessment of modelling requirements. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 18, 1305-1320.
• HG Bahraseman, K Hassani, M Navidbakhsh, DM Espino, ZA Sani, N Fatouraee. 2014. Effect of exercise on blood flow through the aortic valve: a combined clinical and numerical study. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 17, 1821-1834.
• AG Wilcox, DM Espino. 2013. Viscoelastic characterisation of chordae tendineae of the mitral heart valve. The Lancet, 381, S41.
• M Al-Atabi, DM Espino, DWL Hukins, KG Buchan. 2012. Biomechanical assessment of surgical repair of the mitral valve. Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 226, 275-287.
• DM Espino. 2007. Polymers as replacement materials for heart valves and arteries. In: Biomedical Polymers. M Jenkins (Ed). Woodhead Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, 111-140.