‘Micro-assistant’ for reducing cardiovascular arrests

PRESENTED BY:

ABHISHEK VAIDYA

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Motivation: Heart disease & testosterone According to a recent study presented in 97th Annualmeeting of Endocrine Society a high level of testosteronein blood elevates the risk of heart attack [1]

Testosterone is directly related to the cholesterol levelwhich is responsible for cardio vascular disease

In another study performed by American MedicalAssociation a 30% higher risk of heart attack was recordedin subjects who underwent ‘Testosterone Therapy’.

The result was theorized to increased probability offormation of blood clot due to higher testosterone levels

Real time monitoring of testosterone levels andsubsequent drug administration can reduce the heartattack risks to a large extent

[1] Cardiovascular Endocrinology: Endocrine Society's 97th Annual Meeting and Expo, March 5–8, 2015 - San Diego.

NanomedicineRepair, construction and control of human biological systemusing devices built upon nanotechnology standard

Targeted Delivery:

Delivering drug to a specific site in the body where it hasgreatest effect instead of allowing it to diffuse where it mayhave side effects

Controlled Delivery:

Delivery of drug at a predetermined rateFig. Nanomedicine

Bio-implantable devicesImplantable bio devices are capable ofsupporting a sensor-actuator eco-system thatcan be used to monitor a specific parameterin the human body and trigger a subsequentactuation mechanism to regulate theparameter

Some existing bio-implantable devices includePacemakers, neurostimulators, insulin pumpsetc.

We can utilize the recent study ontestosterone and heart disease relation todevelop a possible bio-implantable devicethat can monitor and administer drugs toregulate the testosterone level in the body

[2] “IMD Shield: Securing Implantable Medical Devices”, http://groups.csail.mit.edu/netmit/IMDShield/

Fig. Wireless Implantable devices [2]

Micro-assistant as bio-implantable deviceMicro-assistant should have two major modules:

1. Testosterone level monitor-◦ A microfluidic system that can get a blood sample and run

quick tests to find testosterone levels

◦ A sensor that can detect the test results and stimulate theactuator

2. Automated drug administration module-◦ An actuator that can activate the micro-pump based on

the test results from monitoring module

◦ A micro-pump and a drug reservoir to administer the druginto the blood stream to reduce the testosterone level

[3] http://spectrum.ieee.org/image/1420329

Fig. A prototype of micro-assistant [3]

Advantages and ChallengesAdvantages:

◦ Pre-detection and instant release of drug reduces the risk of heart attack

◦ Real time monitoring and controlled drug release helps keep the bodily functions at the optimum level

◦ Worry free about timely manual administration of drugs

Challenges:◦ Normal testosterone level varies from person to person and thus it becomes necessary to calibrate the

sensor and actuator

◦ Blood sample collection and byproduct handling has to be highly efficient to minimize the blood usage for a microfluidic based system

◦ The device has to be energy efficient or self sustaining in ideal case

◦ Since the average testosterone level is a fraction of nanogram per uL, the test has to be very efficient

◦ A test that does not contaminate blood so that it can be reused

Thank You..!