To mend a broken heart

• Main Author: Tan, Gim Yeow
• Other Authors: Yeo Joon Hock
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/158730
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood to the rest of the body. In early stages of heart failure, treatment usually involves lifestyle changes or medication. In later stages of heart failure, devices to aid the heart to contract are required. However, such devices currently available are very invasive and requires open heart surgery. As a result, the use of electromagnets in a device that helps the heart to contract is being explored. This report explores the proof of concept of using electromagnets in a device capable of aiding the contraction and relaxation of a weak heart muscle. The report will detail the various steps taken in the process of designing the device using electromagnets. It will also detail the types of electromagnets used, the concept of contraction chosen, the various prototypes tested and the final design of the device. The result of the proof of concept will also be evaluated and presented at the end of the report.