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One day, heart transplant patients may recover more quickly from surgery because of research conducted by Sriram Gopalakrishnan ’09 (Tamil Nadu, India) this summer.
An electrical and computer engineering major, Gopalakrishnan worked with Yih-Choung Yu, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, to develop a better way to monitor the performance of a heart supported by a ventricular assist device (VAD). The VAD aids the heart in pumping blood to the body and is often inserted prior to a heart transplant to help recovery.
Gopalakrishnan and Yu collaborated through Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, in which students conduct research with faculty while earning a stipend. The program has helped to make Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. Many of the more than 160 students who participate each year share their work through articles in academic journals and/or conference presentations.
Currently VADs are difficult to monitor, requiring invasive procedures applying flow sensors performed in specialized clinical facilities. Gopalakrishnan and Yu measured electrical signals from the device to analyze how well the heart is beating. Stronger VAD signals indicated the heart was doing less work. Conversely, weaker VAD signals indicated a stronger heart.
“This idea is verified and validated using data from a computer model as well as animal tests under various physiologic conditions,” says Yu.
Gopalakrishnan’s responsibilities included simulating and testing a model of the cardiovascular system using a VAD. He then used software to process the data and determine if the blood flow through the device is a good indicator of heart health.
The researchers will summarize their results and submit them for publication in a scholarly journal.
Yu commends Gopalakrishnan’s attitude toward this challenging project.
“Sriram has a very strong background in math and computer programming and is always self-motivated,” he says. “He approached scientific subjects with a careful and questioning mind. He raised thoughtful questions to help himself understand abstract concepts and expand his knowledge to solve problems creatively.”
Gopalakrishnan has always been fascinated by electrical gadgets and knew the EXCEL experience would be invaluable. He hopes to make a career out of creating new medical technologies.
“This research has helped a lot in my understanding of signal processing and model development, an integral part of electrical and computer engineering,” explains Gopalakrishnan. “It has also exposed me to the field of biomedical science, which I’m sure will help determine my career after graduation.”
Gopalakrishnan enjoyed working closely with a faculty mentor on complex research with practical applications.
“Professor Yu is an enthusiastic and encouraging professor,” he says. “His understanding of the field and of my capabilities was a valuable advantage. He was an excellent help in understanding the relevant information for the research and was a knowledgeable guide in my part of the research. The EXCEL program is a great idea, as the environment and resources allow for an outstanding undergraduate research experience with [skilled] professors.”
Yu has researched artificial hearts for 12 years. The National Science Foundation has awarded him a $138,000 grant to provide electrical and computer engineering faculty and students access to high-end equipment for research projects and training in signal processing, control, and bioengineering. In collaboration with the Pittsburgh NMR Center for Biomedical Research, a leading center for cardiovascular studies, he is working with a team of surgeons, nurses, medical students, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, biomedical engineers, and material scientists to refine the rotary heart assist device. He has been developing mathematical models to develop better artificial hearts by more accurately simulating cardiovascular functions.
Yu adds that the EXCEL program offers students a unique format to gain hands-on experience and enables professors to conduct research and explore new ideas with student assistance.
Gopalakrishnan is a member of Lafayette Environmental Awareness and Protection and volunteers with a local homeless shelter through the Landis Community Outreach Center.
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.