Contributions to research and report writing

For the research, i contributed by:

1. I did extensive research to gain a deeper understanding of our primary target audiences. This involves their portfolios, preferences, and behaviour pattern, to identify their needs and wants and how they can benefit from the smart water bottle.

2. I examined reviews from individuals who had purchased the HidrateSpark smart water bottles. As this can provide us with invaluable insights into the actual user experience enabling us to refine and optimise our product based on real-world usage. 

3. I used ChatGPT to have a more comprehensive understanding of the

- smart water bottle market landscape, by having a detailed comparison of various smart water bottles available in the market enabling us to improve on the product strategically and identify areas of differentiation

- the possible stakeholders of our H2075 bottle and identify the benefits that could be brought to them

For the technical report, I contributed by:

1. I recognised the importance of narrowing our scope, which is to focus on the health implications relevant to our identified target audiences and link them to the importance of a smart water bottle. By doing so, I ensured that our report not only addressed the broader context but also delved into specified benefits and impacts for our users. 

2. I scrutinised and highlighted the implications of the smart water bottle for our target audience this includes an in-depth analysis of the bottle's potential to positively influence the health and well-being of users with a focus on factors such as hydration levels and overall physical wellness.

3. I meticulously reviewed the entire report and adopted a third-person perspective to assess its clarity and ensure the coherence of its flow. The objective was to confirm my comprehension and evaluate if the report maintained a seamless progression of ideas.

4. I created a Google survey form for the primary research for the project to gain further insights into the ideal smart water bottles and upon finishing it I also carefully evaluated our product H2075 with the pros and cons stated in the report.

5. I conducted research on the two implementation features, material, and wireless charging respectively. In my discussion, I delved into the rationale behind opting for these specific features over alternative options.

6. I consistently check with my groupmates on their progress and make sure that the team is on the right track.

For the oral presentation, I contributed by:

1. I take the initiative to craft visually appealing slides using Canva for our group, facilitating collaboration. Additionally, I ensure a smooth transition between speakers for a seamless and cohesive presentation flow.

Reader Response Draft 4

 

The webpage "Mechanical Heart Valves" from Abbott (n.d.-e) introduces the Masters HP 15mm Mitral Mechanical Heart Valves, it is the only mechanical heart valve in the world designed to treat paediatric patients, (Abbott, n.d.-e). The Masters HP 15mm valve is considered the gold standard, and it is the most trusted mechanical heart valve in the world. According to Abbott (n.d.-e), the valve has successfully treated over 3 million patients, which contribute to its low rate of long-term complications . One of its primary functions is to serve as an artificial valve, replacing damaged ones and regulating the normal flow of blood in and out of the heart (MyHealthAlberta, 2022). In terms of features, it boasts a bi-leaflet design that opens to an 85-degree angle during heart contractions. The valve minimises its carbon surface area to reduce thrombogenicity, presenting a low-valve implant height of 2.2mm and an overall height of 8.5mm. It utilises a controlled torque rotation mechanism for both rotation and intraoperative adjustments as outlined by Abbott (n.d.-c). Remarkably, with a diameter of just 15mm, it holds the distinction of the smallest valve in the world according to Abbott (n.d.-e). The Masters HP 15mm valve marks a substantial improvement over the Epic™ Plus Mitral stented tissue valve, owing to its compact size and exceptional durability. Tailored with paediatric patients in mind, it offers them a chance at a healthier life with fewer potential long-term complications.

Abbott (n.d.-c) highlights a significant advancement in reducing the diameter of the mechanical valve, which now measures a mere 15mm. Previously, the challenge in treating paediatric patients with smaller mitral valves stemmed from the incompatibility of larger valves with the size of children's hearts (Abbott, n.d.-c). The valve's minute size has enabled doctors to effectively treat paediatric patients with smaller mitral valves. In contrast, larger valves like the Epic™ Plus Mitral stented tissue valves, which Abbott mentions, typically range in size from 25-33mm (Abbott, n.d.-b). As discussed by (Panicker et al., 2021), the discrepancy between the larger mechanical valve and the smaller mitral annular size in children results in the reduced valve functionality and increased turbulence (Becsek et al., 2020). This consequently raises the likelihood of operative mortality (Elmahrouk et al., 2021). However, with the minute size of the Masters HP 15mm valve offered by Abbott, the risk of operative mortality has now been significantly reduced.

Another notable feature is the valve’s remarkable durability,  guarding against possible calcification, a concern linked to the Epic™ Plus Mitral stented tissue valve (Abbott, n.d.-e). The Masters Series valves have demonstrated prolonged durability through experiences of over 3 million successful implants spanning multiple decades (Abbott, n.d.-d). This assures patients that they are unlikely to require further valve replacement procedures. Furthermore, the valve is specifically designed for paediatric patients, who often have a longer lifespan due to their age. For them, durability becomes a crucial consideration. This is where the Masters HP 15mm valve offers a significant advantage over tissue valves like the Epic™ Plus Mitral valve, which often wear out after 12 to 15 years according to Conte (2017).

The Masters HP 15mm valve requires lifelong anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clots from forming on the valve’s metal surfaces, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2018). Improper administration of blood thinners could result in blood clot formation, potentially leading to strokes or impairing the valves’ functionality, as emphasized by Conte (2017). Indeed, there is compelling evidence that the Masters HP 15mm offers paediatric patients a fresh start to a healthy life. Sadie Rutenberg (Abbott, n.d.-e), the initial recipient of the Masters HP 15mm valve, is now a healthy 3-year-old, demonstrating the valve's remarkable success in achieving lasting durability, inhibiting the chance of her needing another round of replacement. Additionally, the valve's low thrombogenicity minimizes clot formation, addressing lifelong anticoagulation therapy. Abbott's mechanical valves have shown fewer cases of thromboembolism, thrombosis, and bleeding, even at lower international normalized ratio levels (Abbott, n.d.-a). This underscores that the mechanical valve's benefits outweigh its drawbacks, signifying a notable advancement over other mechanical and tissue valves, such as the Epic™ Plus Mitral valve.

In summary, the Masters HP 15mm valve, with its minute size and remarkable durability, signifies a ground-breaking stride in addressing mitral regurgitation in paediatric patients. It surpasses the precision and longevity previously attainable with the Epic™ Plus Mitral stented tissue valve. By leveraging these extraordinary attributes, the Masters HP 15mm valve emerges as a crucial instrument in the effective treatment of paediatric patients, granting them a new beginning with minimal potential long-term issues.

References

Abbott. (n.d.-a). Abbott Mechanical Heart Valves. https://gamida.co.il/medical/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/9-EH-1-12392-01-06-2021_MHV-Brochure.pdf

Abbott. (n.d.-b). Epic™ Plus Mitral and Aortic. https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/hcp/products/structural-heart/surgical-valve-solutions/epic-tissue-valve.html

Abbott. (n.d.-c). FDA approves the world's smallest mechanical heart valve for pediatric patients with heart defects. https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2018-03-06-FDA-Approves-the-Worlds-Smallest-Mechanical-Heart-Valve-for-Pediatric-Patients-with-Heart-Defects

Abbott. (n.d.-d). Key Mitral MHV selection considerations: durability, size range, hemodynamics, and implantability. https://www.structuralheart.abbott/fileadmin/content/clinical-research/clinical-insights/46704_Global_Masters_Clinical_Insights.pdf

Abbott. (n.d.-e). Mechanical Heart Valves. https://www.structuralheart.abbott/int/products/mechanical-heart-valve/regent-valve-masters-series-mechanical-heart-valve#c2068

Becsek, B. E. M., Pietrasanta, L., & Obrist, D. (2020, September 29). Turbulent Systolic flow downstream of a Bioprosthetic aortic Valve: Velocity spectra, wall shear stresses, and turbulent dissipation rates. Frontiers in Physiology,

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.577188/full

Conte, V. (2017, May 2). Deciding Between a Tissue and a Mechanical Valve. 

https://ctsurgerypatients.org/deciding-between-a-tissue-and-a-mechanical-valve#:~:text=Age%20is%20one%20of%20the,patient%20survival%20are%20both%20unpredictable

Elmahrouk, A. F., Mashali, M. H., Ismail, M., Arafat, A. A., Alamri, R., Baho, H., Shihata, M., & Jamjoom, A. (2021, July 27). Mitral valve replacement in infants and younger children. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8316334/

MyHealthAlberta (2022, September 7). Learning About Life With a Mechanical Heart Valve. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abk2194

U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. (2018, March 6). FDA expands approval of replacement heart valve, smallest mechanical valve size approved in the world. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-approval-replacement-heart-valve-smallest-mechanical-valve-size-approved-world

Panicker, V. T., Sreekantan, R., & Lokanath, N. (2021, July 9). Preoperative mitral annulus size – Can we get it right? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8404588/

Reader response draft 3

The webpage "Mechanical Heart Valves" from Abbott (n.d.-a) introduces the Masters HP 15mm Mitral Mechanical Heart Valves. It is the only mechanical heart valve in the world designed to treat paediatric patients, (Abbott, n.d.-a). The Masters HP 15mm valve is considered the gold standard, and it is the most trusted mechanical heart valve in the world. According to Abbott (n.d.-a), the valve has successfully treated over 3 million patients, supported by testimonies and its unique design features, which contribute to its low rate of long-term complications. One of its primary functions is to serve as an artificial valve, replacing damaged ones and regulating the normal flow of blood in and out of the heart (MyHealthAlberta, 2022). In terms of features, it boasts a bi-leaflet design that opens to an 85-degree angle during heart contractions. The valve minimises its carbon surface area, presenting a low-valve implant height of 2.2mm and an overall height of 8.5mm. It utilises a controlled torque rotation mechanism for both rotation and intraoperative adjustments as outlined by Abbott (n.d.-b). Remarkably, with a diameter of just 15mm, it holds the distinction of the smallest valve in the world according to Abbott (n.d.-a). The Masters HP 15mm valve marks a substantial improvement over the EpicTM Plus Mitral stented tissue valve, owing to its compact size and exceptional durability. Tailored with paediatric patients in mind, it offers them a chance at a healthier life with fewer potential long-term complications.

Abbott (n.d.-b) highlights a significant advancement in reducing the diameter, which now measures a mere 15mm. Previously, the challenge in treating paediatric patients with smaller mitral valves stemmed from the incompatibility of larger valves with the size of children's hearts (Abbott, n.d.-b). The valve's minute size has enabled doctors to effectively treat paediatric patients with smaller mitral valves. In contrast, larger valves like the EpicTM Plus Mitral stented tissue valves, which Abbott mentions, typically range in size from 25-33mm (Abbott, n.d.-c). As discussed by (Panicker et al., 2021), the discrepancy between the larger mechanical valve and the smaller mitral annular size in children results in the reduced valve functionality and increased turbulence (Becsek et al., 2020). This consequently raises the likelihood of operative mortality (Elmahrouk et al., 2021). However, with the minute size of the Masters HP 15mm valve offered by Abbott, the risk of operative mortality has now been significantly reduced.

Another notable feature is the valve’s remarkable durability, guarding against possible calcification, a concern linked to the EpicTM Plus Mitral stented tissue valve (Abbott, n.d.- a). The Masters Series valves have demonstrated prolonged durability through experiences of over 3 million successful implants spanning multiple decades (Abbott, n.d.-d). This assures patients that they are unlikely to require further valve replacement procedures. Furthermore, the valve is specifically designed for paediatric patients, who often have a longer lifespan due to their age. For them, durability becomes a crucial consideration. This is where the Masters HP 15mm valve offers a significant advantage over tissue valves like the EpicTM Plus Mitral valve, which often wear out after 12 to 15 years according to Conte (2017).

The Masters HP 15mm valve requires lifelong anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clots from forming on the valve’s metal surfaces, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding (U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION, 2018). Improper administration of blood thinners could result in blood clot formation, potentially leading to strokes or impairing the valves’ functionality, as emphasized by Conte (2017). Indeed, there is compelling evidence that the Masters HP 15mm offers paediatric patients a fresh start to a healthy life. Sadie Rutenberg (Abbott, n.d.-a), the initial recipient of the Masters HP 15mm valve, is now a healthy 3-year-old, demonstrating the valve's remarkable success. Additionally, the valve's low thrombogenicity minimizes clot formation, addressing lifelong anticoagulation therapy. Abbott's mechanical valves have shown fewer cases of thromboembolism, thrombosis, and bleeding, even at lower international normalized ratio levels (Abbott, n.d.-e). In summary, the mechanical valve's benefits outweigh its drawbacks, signifying a notable advancement over other mechanical and tissue valves, such as the EpicTM Plus Mitral valve.

In summary, the Masters HP 15mm valve, with its minute size and remarkable durability, signifies a ground-breaking stride in addressing mitral regurgitation in paediatric patients. It surpasses the precision and longevity previously attainable with the EpicTM Plus Mitral stented tissue valve. By leveraging these extraordinary attributes, the Masters HP 15mm valve emerges as a crucial instrument in the effective treatment of paediatric patients, granting them a new beginning with minimal potential long-term issues.

References

Abbott. (n.d.-a). Mechanical Heart Valves. https://www.structuralheart.abbott/int/products/mechanical-heart-valve/regent- valve-masters-series-mechanical-heart-valve#c2068

Abbott. (n.d.-b). FDA APPROVES THE WORLD'S SMALLEST MECHANICAL HEART VALVE FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH HEART DEFECTS. https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2018-03-06-FDA-Approves-the-Worlds-Smallest- Mechanical-Heart-Valve-for-Pediatric-Patients-with-Heart-Defects

Abbott. (n.d.-c). EpicTM Plus Mitral and Aortic. https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/hcp/products/structural-heart/surgical- valve-solutions/epic-tissue-valve.html

Abbott. (n.d.-d). Key Mitral MHV selection considerations: durability, size range, hemodynamics, and implantability. https://www.structuralheart.abbott/fileadmin/content/clinical-research/clinical- insights/46704_Global_Masters_Clinical_Insights.pdf

Abbott. (n.d.-e). Abbott Mechanical Heart Valves. https://gamida.co.il/medical/wp- content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/9-EH-1-12392-01-06-2021_MHV-Brochure.pdf

Becsek, B. E. M., Pietrasanta, L., & Obrist, D. (2020, September 29) Turbulent Systolic Flow Downstream of a Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve: Velocity Spectra, Wall Shear Stresses, and Turbulent Dissipation Rates. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.577188/full

Conte, V. (2017, May 2). Deciding Between a Tissue and a Mechanical Valve. https://ctsurgerypatients.org/deciding-between-a-tissue-and-a-mechanical- valve#:~:text=Age%20is%20one%20of%20the,patient%20survival%20are%20both% 20unpredictable

Elmahrouk, A. F., Mashali, M. H., Ismail, M., Arafat, A. A., Alamri, R., Baho, H., Shihata, M., & Jamjoom, A. (2021, July 27). Mitral valve replacement in infants and younger children. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8316334/

MyHealthAlberta (2022, September 7). Learning About Life With a Mechanical Heart Valve. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid =abk2194

U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. (2018, March 6). FDA expands approval of replacement heart valve, smallest mechanical valve size approved in the world. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-approval- replacement-heart-valve-smallest-mechanical-valve-size-approved-world

Panicker, V. T., Sreekantan, R., & Lokanath, N. (2021, July 9). Preoperative mitral annulus size – Can we get it right? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8404588/ 

Reader response draft 2

According to the webpage "Mechanical Heart Valves", Abbott introduces the Masters HP 15mm Mitral Mechanical Heart Valves, the only mechanical heart valve in the world designed to treat new-borns and babies (Abbott, n.d.-a). The Masters HP 15mm valve is considered the gold standard and the most trusted mechanical heart valve in the world showing little complications in the long run, due to its unique design features with many testimonies (Abbott, n.d.-b), and has already treated over 3 million patients to support its claim (Abbott, n.d.-a). Among its functions, the valve acts as an artificial valve, by replacing damaged valves and then controlling the normal flow of blood into and out of the heart. In terms of features, it has a bileaflet design that opens to an 85-degree during heart contractions, a minimised carbon surface area, a low valve implant height of 2.2mm with an overall height of 8.5mm, a controlled torque rotation mechanism for rotation and intraoperative adjustment (Abbott, n.d.-b), and a diameter measuring at only 15mm, making it the smallest valve in the world (Abbott, n.d.-a). With its minute size and high durability, the Masters HP 15mm is clearly an advancement over the Epic™ Plus Mitral stented tissue valve, being able to target new-borns and infants, thus giving them a new lease of life and with little complications in the long run. One of the advancements is the reduction in its diameter, standing at only 15mm (Abbott, n.d.-b). This minute-sized valve has successfully enabled doctors to treat babies and toddlers with smaller mitral valves, which was not possible before as larger valves are usually not suitable given the smaller size of children’s heart (Abbott, n.d.-b). In contrast, larger valves like the Epic™ Plus Mitral stented tissue valves are usually sized between 25-33mm according to Abbott (Abbott, n.d.-c). The mismatch of the mechanical valve and children’s smaller mitral annular size (Panicker et al., 2021) will increase the risk of operative mortality (Elmahrouk et al., 2021). However, with the minute size of the Masters HP 15mm valve offered by Abbott, the risk of operative mortality is now minimised. Another advancement is the extremely high durability of the valve, which avoids potential calcification, that occurs with the Epic™ Plus Mitral stented tissue valve (Abbott, n.d.-a). The Masters Series valves prove long-term durability based on experiences of more than 3 million successful implants over several decades (Abbott, n.d.-e). Thus, with its high durability, patients do not have to worry about needing to replace their valves again. Furthermore, the valve targets paediatric patients, who often have a longer lifespan due to their age and durability is one of the most important factors to consider for them. Hence, the Masters HP 15mm has a great advantage over tissue valves like the Epic™ Plus Mitral valve that often wear out after 12 to 15 years (Conte, 2017). One problem that the Masters HP 15mm brings is the patients’ ability to tolerate the anticoagulation therapy. After the surgical procedure, anticoagulation therapy is required to prevent the tendency for blood clots to form on the metal surfaces of the valves, which can in turn increase the risk of bleeding (Office of the Commissioner, 2018). As such, patients need to be on consumption of blood thinner medications for life (Conte, 2017), failure to do so, can potentially lead to the death of the patient. However, it is proven that the Masters HP 15mm is able to give paediatric patients a new lease of life, as seen from Sadie Rutenberg’s life story for example. Sadie Rutenberg was the first infant to undergo the implantation of the Masters HP 15mm valve, and is now a healthy 3-year-old girl, leading life just like any other child. (Abbott, n.d.-b) This is a clear indicator of the success of the valve. Also, the low thrombogenicity nature of the valve further reduces the tendency for blood clots to form on its surfaces, hence mitigating the problem of the valve. According to the Abbott Mechanical Heart Valves brochure, Abbott mechanical valves showed lower thromboembolism, thrombosis and bleeding even at a low internationalised normalised ratio range (Abbott, n.d.-f). All in all, the advantages of the mechanical valves outweighs the disadvantages, and showed an advancement over other mechanical valves and tissue valves like the Epic™ Plus Mitral valve. In conclusion, the minute size of the Masters HP 15mm valve, along with its high durability can help save the lives of numerous paediatric patients’ that the Epic™ Plus Mitral stented tissue valve could not achieve. With these significant features and advancements, the Masters HP 15mm valve would be the key to the success of treating paediatric patients with mitral regurgitation, giving them a new lease of life with minimal complications in the long run. References Abbott. (n.d.-a). Mechanical Heart Valves. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://www.structuralheart.abbott/int/products/mechanical-heart-valve/regent-valve-masters-series-mechanical-heart-valve#c2068 Media, R. (n.d.). Mechanical heart valves: Regent valve and master series. International Health Care Professionals. https://www.structuralheart.abbott/int/products/mechanical-heart-valve/regent-valve-masters-series-mechanical-heart-valve#c2068 Abbott. (n.d.-b). FDA APPROVES THE WORLD'S SMALLEST MECHANICAL HEART VALVE FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH HEART DEFECTS. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2018-03-06-FDA-Approves-the-Worlds-Smallest-Mechanical-Heart-Valve-for-Pediatric-Patients-with-Heart-Defects Abbott. (n.d.-c). Epic™ Plus Mitral and Aortic. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/hcp/products/structural-heart/surgical-valve-solutions/epic-tissue-valve.html Abbott. (n.d.-d). Epic™ Plus Mitral and Aortic Stented Tissue Valves. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://www.structuralheart.abbott/products/mitral-aortic-valve-replacement/epic-tissue-valve#features Abbott. (n.d.-e). Key Mitral MHV selection considerations: durability, size range, hemodynamics, and implantability. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://www.structuralheart.abbott/fileadmin/content/clinical-research/clinical-insights/46704_Global_Masters_Clinical_Insights.pdf Abbott. (n.d.-f). Abbott Mechanical Heart Valves. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://gamida.co.il/medical/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/9-EH-1-12392-01-06-2021_MHV-Brochure.pdf Alberta (2022, September 7). Learning About Life With a Mechanical Heart Valve. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abk2194 Conte, V. (2017, May 2). Deciding Between a Tissue and a Mechanical Valve. https://ctsurgerypatients.org/deciding-between-a-tissue-and-a-mechanical-valve#:~:text=Age%20is%20one%20of%20the,patient%20survival%20are%20both%20unpredictable Elmahrouk, A. F., Mashali, M. H., Ismail, M., Arafat, A. A., Alamri, R., Baho, H., Shihata, M., & Jamjoom, A. (2021). Mitral valve replacement in infants and younger children. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8316334/ Caldarone, C. A., Raghuveer, G., Hills, C. B., Atkins, D. L., Burns, T. L., Behrendt, D. M., & Moller, J. H. (2001). Long-Term Survival After Mitral Valve Replacement in Children Aged <5 Years. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.104.suppl_1.i-143 Office of the Commissioner. (2018). FDA expands approval of replacement heart valve, smallest mechanical valve size approved in the world. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-approval-replacement-heart-valve-smallest-mechanical-valve-size-approved-world Panicker, V. T., Sreekantan, R., & Lokanath, N. (2021). Preoperative mitral annulus size – Can we get it right? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8404588/