Next generation real-time heart models for closed-loop design and testing of medical devices

An abstracted human heart computer model has been developed simulating key features of electrical activity in healthy and unhealthy hearts in real-time or faster. Unlike other work in this space, this model was designed to generate heart-rate-dependent signal features that are important indicators of arrhythmia in heart diseases. Electrical signals from the model are interpreted by a connected medical device, and the model responds to the electrical signals generated by the device. The model acts in a closed loop with the device, and it has been used to show how the programmed settings in a pacemaker can drive a heart into an arrhythmia.

We propose a next-generation model:

1. Introducing new disease, pharmacological and physiological features
2. Designing an intuitive process for parameterising and altering features
3. Quantifying the performance of the model across computer platforms
4. Expanding an autonomous device testing pipeline
5. Investigating the inclusion of motion during the cardiac pumping cycle

This project collaborates with MathWorks Inc. and their Medical Devices team. The vision is a next-generation model adopted for design and testing by medical device companies and one that can become a candidate for consideration as an FDA Medical Device Development Tool.

• Applied and computational mathematics, modeling, programming languages, demonstrated written and oral communication skills.

This project is eligible for funding but is subject to eligibility criteria & funding availability.

Page expires: 13 March 2025