Download Design of advanced biomedical devices for interventional diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering
Research Project Write-up
Title of Project:
Design of advanced biomedical devices for interventional
diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases Name of Supervisor:
Leo Hwa Liang
Contact Details:
Email: [email protected]
Biofluid Mechanics Research Laboratory
Block E3, #05-18A
2 Engineering Drive 3
Tel: 6516-5608 (lab)
Tel: 9299 2786
Short Description
Singapore is the second fastest greying country in the world with an estimated 348% increase
in the elderly population between 1985 and 2025. Defined as ‘people 60 years of age and
above’ by the World Health Organization in 2007, this group represented about 15.0%
(474,700) of the country’s population in 2010 and is expected to comprise 26.0% (853,300)
by 2030. This shift in demographical makeup of Singapore’s population will exert
considerable stress on the nation’s public health expenses. For example, the probability of
developing a cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or neurodegenerative diseases, such as stroke
and dementia, more than doubles for each decade of life after age 55. The current healthcare
needs of the aging population are already placing a strain on the health system and economy,
but the projected exponential rise in age-related burdens will be even more of a challenge
unless effective early detection methods, subsequent treatment strategies, and low-cost longterm health monitoring are found. To face such challenges in coming years, one solution that
could transform future healthcare is medical device innovation. Here the project is interested
in the development of novel and state-of-the-art biomedical devices for interventional
diagnosis and treatment of these cardiovascular diseases. The lab has over 15 years of
experiences in this area of focus;
 Developing new structurally sound percutaneous aortic, mitral and cava heart valves
with design features to address paravalvular leakages and valve anchorage problems
 Design and Develop new blood pumps for applications in adult and pediatric left
ventricular assist, and total artificial heart replacement.
 Design and Develop a range of endovascular stents to treat vascular diseases carotid
bifurcation and coronary atherosclerosis, cerebral and abdominal aorta aneurysm, aortic
dissection,
 and many more projects that challenge the creativity of NGS students
Students will interact with clinicians, senior scientists, and other like-minded and passionate
graduate students when pursuing their research passion in our lab. The lab also encourages
students to attend overseas international conferences and to publish in high impact peerreviewed journals.