Download Activity 5.3.1: Key My Heart

Activity 5.3.1 – Key To My Heart
Introduction
Think back to your research on the heart, implants, valves, blood flow, artificial
hearts. Things are quite complicated and surgery has not reached perfection yet, but
people need help now. The steps for successfully performing a medical procedure
are many and detailed. You will perform a virtual (web-based) heart transplant to
experience the tools and procedures necessary for surgery. As a biotechnical
engineer, understanding how the various tools and equipment are used will aid you
in developing new tools and equipment and making design improvements.
Equipment
 Computer with Internet access
 Shockwave
 Engineering Notebook
Procedure
Working as an individual, you will experience the thrill and the agony of being a heart
surgeon. You will begin your surgery by accessing the PBS – Electric Heart
website. If the hotlink does not work, you will need to use the following URL:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/eheart/transplant.html
Wait! Before you can begin your operation, you need to learn more about the human
heart.
Scroll to the bottom of the web page. Enter and fully explore the following pages:
 Map of the Human Heart
o Replicate the sketch in your engineering notebook
o Document the parts of the heart as indicated
 Amazing Heart Facts
o Take notes in your engineering notebook
 Pioneering Surgeon
o Take notes in your engineering notebook
You are now ready to complete your first heart surgery (virtually, of course).
Enter the section of the web site called Operation – Heart Transplant and begin your
surgery.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
PLTW TM - BE – Unit 5 – Lesson 5.3 – Activity 5.3.1 – Key To My Heart – Page 1
 Take notes on what you do and the results.
Conclusion
1. What is the pericardium sac and why is it left open upon completion of the
surgery?
It is pretty much a sac that covers and protects the heart. It is left open because there is
no particular benefit for either, except that when it is re-closed it may cause cardiac
tamponade which could be dangerous.
2. Why are sutures put in the ascending aorta, superior vena cava, and the inferior
vena cava prior to connecting the heart lung machine?
They are put here to prevent the heart from receiving blood from the body and isolate
the heart from the rest of the cardiovascular system.
3. What are the roles of the heart and lung machine?
It supports the body during the operation and does the job that the heart and lungs do, a
temporary sort of replacement.
4. What preparatory procedures exist for a heart surgery?
EKG, chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, blood and urine tests, IV catheter, skin
preparation are all preparatory procedures occurring before the surgery.
5. What instruments are used for a heart transplant? What function does each piece
of equipment serve?
Scalpels are used to make incisions, hemostats are used as clamps to prevent bloodflow, a Stryker saw is used to cut the sternum, a heart-lung machine is used to do
exactly as its name suggests, a defibrillator is used to get a heartbeat, a steel wire is
used to seal the sternum, and sutures are used to close the incisions.
6. Who were the first pioneers of heart surgery, and what were their contributions?
Ludwig Rhen who performed the first successful heart surgery when he repaired a stab
wound to the right ventricle. Wilfred Bigelow realized that the surgery was done better
without the blood in the heart. Jarvik who is essentially the father of the artificial heart, is
also a large contributor.
7. How have the heart surgery or heart transplant procedures changed over the
years?
They have become more efficient able to complete the surgery in less time. They have
also become less dangerous to the patient and have added techniques and machines
that will help keep the patient alive. Heart surgeries have also become better by
preventing infection better. They have also become less and less invasive.
8. How has engineering impacted the changes in heart surgery procedures?
Surgeons make use of machines such as the heart-lung machine to keep the patient
alive and prevent any complications.
9. What treatments are available for congestive heart failure?
Quitting smoking, exercise, lower salt intake, and medication are all treatments.
Occasionally as well an implant or even a transplant may be necessary.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
PLTW TM - BE – Unit 5 – Lesson 5.3 – Activity 5.3.1 – Key To My Heart – Page 2