This project is aimed at investigating the potential for improved biocompatibility for patch designs for ASD Closures. ASD is a congenital heart defect whereby there is a hole in the septal wall dividing the left and right atria. This can create abnormal haemodynamic performance within the heart. An ASD closure is a surgical operation used to correct this abnormality, often by using a patch to close up the hole.
I used a combination of practical and theoretical methods to conduct this project. I created my own plastics and ran tests, including petri dish testing for bacterial resistance and using Hooke's Law to test for strength and durability under pressure in the heart. I came to the conclusion that, out of all tested plastics, my bioplastic was the strongest and most flexible.
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