Left: Contour plot of shear rate through a microchannel involving a constriction. Right: Thrombus formation in the constriction region in DIC and fluorescence.
Mechanical heart valves are commonly used to replace failing heart valves, but often suffer thromboembolic complications, particularly associated with the hinge region of these valves. As such, there use has been declining. Therefore, we are investigating the thrombotic and coagulant responses of blood in this region to better identify the specific features of the hinge that can otherwise lead to complications once implanted.
Bouncing blood droplet on pyrolytic carbon relative to a superhydrophobic surface. Reprinted by permission from: Springer Nature Annals of Biomedical Engineering Bark, David L., et al. "Hemodynamic performance and thrombogenic properties of a superhydrophobic bileaflet mechanical heart valve." Annals of biomedical engineering 45.2 (2017): 452-463., Copyright 2017.
To improve blood-material interactions on mechanical heart valves, our collaborators are developing new surface treatments, such as the superhydrophobic treatment shown in the video to the left and the video below. Blood can be seen to bounce, and roll or slide off of superhydrophobic surfaces. We are now investigating microscale responses of platelets and plasma proteins.
Blood sliding down glass, pyrolytic carbon, hydrophobic treatment, and superhydrophobic treatment. Reprinted by permission from: Springer Nature Annals of Biomedical Engineering Bark, David L., et al. "Hemodynamic performance and thrombogenic properties of a superhydrophobic bileaflet mechanical heart valve." Annals of biomedical engineering 45.2 (2017): 452-463., Copyright 2017.
