In-vitro fractional flow reserve of coronary artery

Various tests such as Conventional Invasive Coronary Angiography (CCA) and non-invasive Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) are leading methods to diagnose coronary heart conditions in the medical industry. CCA is invasive and does not account for the extend of artherosclerotic change within the vessel wall. CTCA is considered relatively safe but several reactions still occur for patients with other medical conditions. Patients who are allergic to iodine-based materials are likely to experience skin rash or hives during the procedure. In the worst case- scenario, severe reactions such as difficulty in breathing or cardiac arrest may occur. The project aims to evaluate the possibility of adopting a non-invasive method of obtaining the level of stenosis in coronary artery using an in-vitro set up. The objective of the project is to obtain pressure waveform data through catheterization. It is then translated into graphical model to determine Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR). Two silicon coronary arteries (specimen A and B) of different level of stenosis were tested. Silicon coronary arteries were experimented at 71.6 and 85 mL/stroke respectively to identify the pressure difference. The data collected were successful and positive as we were able to observe the cardiac cycle waveform in all the graphical results FFR is a reliable and non-invasive tool for patients with coronary arteries disease. This scientific and evidence-based procedure is critical to patient with CHD as FFR helps to save lives and avoid unnecessary treatments.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering