College of Engineering

Giselle C. Matlis

School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, & Health Systems

Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kapil Dandekar

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Dr. William Mongan, Austin Gentry, Chelsea Knittel Co-Mentors

Using Smart Fabrics and 3D printing to Improve DVT treatment devices

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a large blood clot forms in the deep veins of a person’s limbs. This can be fatal if a clot breaks off and lodges in the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest. DVT can occur as a complication from surgery or after long periods of immobility. This condition is common in pregnant women and the elderly, although there is a genetic risk factor.

Current treatment involves application of pressure to the affected area through compression socks or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices. IPC devices massage the leg to increase blood flow to the heart to prevent clots. Although IPC devices can be helpful in preventing clots, they are bulky, uncomfortable and require a doctor’s visit. They are often deployed while immobile.

The intent of this project is to use smart fabrics and 3D printing to develop a sleeker, more portable and user-friendly device as compared to DVT devices currently on the market. The particular focus of this research is to design a more appealing housing unit for the circuitry, increase the number of actuators, and test multiple smart fabric yarns against shape memory alloys with a series of custom designed test rigs using 3D printing.