IP Requirement: University of Kentucky IP
Experience Requirement:
– Rapid prototyping
– FEM/Modeling
– Biomechanics
– Mechanical design
Problem Description
The Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug (MVP) is a medical device designed to obstruct or reduce blood flow in peripheral vessels. Initially introduced in 2013 for vascular embolization, it has since found off-label applications in the management and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD). In particular, the MVP has been used to decrease pulmonary blood flow in infants with left-to-right shunt lesions such as atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and patent ductus arteriosus. It has also been employed in other forms of pulmonary over-circulation associated with CHD, including transposition of the great arteries and single ventricle physiology.
Beyond flow reduction, the MVP has proven useful in embolizing specific congenital heart lesions, including coronary artery fistulae and aortopulmonary collaterals. Its versatility is further reflected in the range of sizes available—four in total—tailored to the diameter of the target vessel. In pediatric patients with CHD, the MVP is often deployed as a temporary solution, typically removed after several months. However, due to the dynamic nature of growing vessels in infants and children, the device may become displaced as vessel walls expand and the plug loses its anchoring tension. This highlights the importance of not only assessing the outward radial force exerted by the device, but also evaluating the compliance of the vessel into which it is deployed. Doing so could help minimize the risk of migration, enhance device stability, and improve overall therapeutic effectiveness.
Project Objective
Design and prototype a delivery system or add-on sensor package capable of:
– Measuring the outward radial force exerted by the MVP after deployment in a vessel – Estimating the vessel compliance at the deployment site
– Providing real-time feedback to the operator during deployment
Project Scope and Deliverables
– Sensor Concept Development – Identify suitable sensing modality that can be integrated with MVP catheter system.
– Prototype Design –Create a benchtop test rig or catheter-compatible system capable of measuring relevant forces.
– Modeling and Simulation –Use FEM or mechanical modeling to estimate vessel compliance and correlate with physical data.
– Validation Testing – Test in bench models simulating pediatric vessels. – Final Report and Presentation – Document design, testing, results, and clinical relevance.
Learning Objectives for Students
Students will:
– Work at the intersection of biomechanics, medical device design, and device optimization within the scope of interventional Pediatric Cardiology. – Apply force sensing, compliance modeling, and prototyping skills to a real-world clinical challenge.
– Collaborate with clinicians and engineers for needs-driven innovation.
Learn about the Medtronic MVP:
– https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/joic.12369
– Medtronic info page
