Investigation on friction between cardiovascular medical devices and arterial tissue

Lead Research Organisation: University of Sheffield
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Currently, very limited research has been carried out on the friction between cardiovascular medical devices such as stents and catheters and how arteries react to them. Also, little is known about the underlying friction mechanisms.
This project is about generating reliable friction data in an in vitro environment. For this, endothelial cells (the cells covering the inside of arteries) will be cultured on a substrate and tribologically tested. Cell damage and reactions of the cells (deformation, gene expressions) will be investigated to find out how the cells react to the friction.

Aims and Objectives:
Determine friction coefficients between cardiovascular medical device materials and endothelial cells.
Study the underlying friction mechanisms between endothelial cells and materials.
Investigate the cells reactions to different materials under friction.

Applications and benefits:
Better understanding of cell-material interactions and friction mechanisms can be used to develop better materials and coatings.
Improved simulations of medical devices can be carried out due to reliable friction data.


This PhD project fits into the research area of Healthcare Technologies of the EPSRC.

Publications

10 25 50

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
NE/W503101/1 01/04/2021 31/03/2022
1949438 Studentship NE/W503101/1 11/10/2017 10/01/2022 Rasmus Wagner