Iliac Bifurcation Aneurysm
W.L. Gore and Associates has requested that students from Northern Arizona University (NAU) design a replicable model of an aneurysm in the iliac bifurcation and test it. The iliac bifurcation is located below the renal descending abdominal aorta typically in front of lumbar vertebrae 3-5 . This project begins with analysing the structure of the bifurcation. Then the team will design an aneurysmatic model of this structure, and test the materials for compliance within targets set by nature. Finally flow rate and pressure through the model will be tested in order to show success.
The subsequent models of the bifurcation could be used for testing of the deployment of W.L. Gore stents, catheters, and other devices. The overall interest of the stakeholders, besides training and recruiting engineers, is to have a model that will allow for testing of devices that will in turn save lives. The prevalence of aneurysmal disease is increasing in the elderly population with roughly 150,000 new cases every year . W.L. Gore has a mission with all their products, and that is that Gore products will not fail. This is especially important for their medical devices. In order to reach such a lofty goal, Gore will have to test its devices rigorously before releasing them to the public. As research continues into both aneurysmatic models of the bifurcation and Gore, it becomes apparent that we are helping to develop life saving equipment. If an aneurysm bursts in the abdomen there is over an 80% mortality rate, so people all over the world will benefit from this model. W.L. Gore and Associates have stakes in this project because they are the sponsors, this starts and ends with Gore. The team’s ability to create an accurate aneurysmatic model of the iliac bifurcation will directly affect the time it will take to develop devices for that area. This in turn will expedite the creation of stents that can save a life.
View Project Description
Project Client
William Reilly
Mechanical Engineer
