Summary draft 1

According to the webpage "Surgical heart valves" (Abbott, n.d.), Abbott introduces the "Masters HP 15 mm Mitral Mechanical Heart Valves", a mechanical heart valve. It is suitable for treating newborns and babies. Abbott's mechanical valve is considered the gold standard and the most trusted mechanical heart valve in the world. In addition to that, Abbott also produces the world’s smallest 15-mm paediatric mechanical valves, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] (Office of the Commissioner, 2020). Among its functions, it has rotatable bileaflet valves designed for secure implantation in the mitral position for patients with a diseased, damaged, or malfunctioning mitral heart valve. Hence, a replacement valve is needed for them. In terms of features, it is unique due to its specifications and design features. Firstly, it has a minimised carbon surface area. It also has a low valve implant height of 2.2 mm and an overall height of 8.5 mm (Abbott, n.d.-a). Secondly, it has unique design features, which use the "Pivot Guard Design" with low thrombogenicity at the forefront of the valve. With several enhanced features present in the Masters HP 15mm Mitral mechanical heart valves, it is currently the top and only mechanical heart valve present in the world to cater to paediatric patients, giving them a better chance of a long healthy life with a fully functioning heart.

Reference:

 

a)Abbott. (n.d.-a). Masters mitral and aortic mechanical valves | Abbott. Www.cardiovascular.abbott. https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/hcp/products/structural-heart/

surgical-valve-solutions/masters-mechanical-valves.html#

:~:text=The%20SJM%E2%84%A2%20Masters%20Series

b)Abbott. (n.d.-b). Mechanical heart valves | regent valve and master series. Www.structuralheart.abbott. https://www.structuralheart.abbott/products/mechanical-heart-valve/

regent-valve-masters-series-mechanical-heart-valve

c)Office of the Commissioner. (2020, March 24). FDA expands approval of replacement heart valve,

smallest mechanical valve size approved in the world. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/

fda-expands-approval-replacement-heart-valve-smallest-mechanical-valve-size-approved-world

Research pathway (Zhou min and Philbert)

Philbert and I decided to work on biomedical engineering systems as we both had similar interests and studied similar modules when we were in polytechnic previously. We want to work on medical devices focusing on circulatory systems, especially heart valves. As we know, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death not only among the elderly but also among the younger generation of patients suffering from cardiovascular issues. Among all cardiovascular diseases, mitral stenosis is a relatively common disorder that can be associated with high morbidity and mortality if left untreated. The most common treatment for heart valve disease is surgical replacement. However, due to the lack of heart donors, artificial valves are then produced.

We first read news articles on existing heart valves available in the current market and companies developing the valves using Google and Google Scholar.

There are three different types of mitral valves, which include mechanical, bioprosthetic and tissue valves. All these devices have significant limitations, with risks of further morbidity and mortality. We then proceeded with further research and summarised the pros and cons in the table below.

Types of aortic valves	Pros	Cons
1. Mechanical Aortic valves	>More durable, have a longer life span of 20 to 30 years >No contraindication to anticoagulation with Vitamin K antagonist >Lower risk of subsequent valve replacement or repair	>Consumption of blood thinner for life >Not suitable for women of childbearing age >Not suitable for patients prone to fall
2. Bioprosthetic Aortic Valves	>More suitable for older patients	>Shorter life span of 10 to 15 years >Higher risk of subsequent valve replacement or repair >Not very suitable for patients of younger age
3. Tissue Aortic Valves	>No lifelong warfarin therapy to prevent the development of blood clots	>Shorter life span of 10 to 20 years >Poor durability due to the valves being designed with animal/human tissues

Figure 1

Image of a mechanical aortic valve

Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery Center. (2018, November 6). All About Mechanical

Heart Valves | Heart Surgery Information. Heart Surgery Information.

https://heartsurgeryinfo.com/mechanical-heart-valves/

Figure 2

Placement of a bioprosthetic mitral heart valve in a human body

Transcatheter Bioprosthetic Mitral Heart Valve | AMI: 2017 Annual Conference. (n.d.). https://meetingarchive.ami.org/2017/project/1117-2-16-6-2-14-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/

Figure 3

An example of a tissue valve

Ahmed, Dr. M. (2017, September 10). Heart valve surgery - mechanical vs. Bioprosthetic – which is better? • Myheart. MyHeart.

https://myheart.net/articles/heart-valve-surgery-mechanical-vs-bioprosthetic-which-is-better/

In conclusion, all three different types of mitral valves have their pros and cons. Other than the different types of valves, the brand of the valves as well as the skills of the surgeons also play an important role in a patient's surgery and post-surgery. We then compare different companies and different types of mitral heart valves, as well as the pros and cons of each individual valve we come across. We use the information given from the official websites of the company to know more in detail about the specification of the valves, cross-referencing with supporting websites or news that is related to the progression or problems faced when using that particular aortic valve. We then narrow down our leads and decide which valve will be more suitable for our project, as all valves have their strengths and weaknesses. It really depends on who our target audience or patients are and what types of risks each individual patient might encounter.

 

After further understanding, we decided to focus on mechanical heart valves, specifically Abbott’s Masters HP 15 mm Mitral Mechanical Heart Valves, as we aim to target younger patients who require artificial aortic valves as our priority. The reason for picking the younger generation, which includes newborns and babies, is due to research that stated statistics and numbers of younger patients in Singapore and globally not being able to receive proper treatment due to their age and body size.

Reference:

1)https://heartsurgeryinfo.com/mechanical-heart-valves/

2)https://meetingarchive.ami.org/2017/project/1117-2-16-6-2-14-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/

3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564339/#:~:text=The%20mechanical%20aortic%20valve%20has,done%20at%20a%20younger%20age.

4)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4526499/#:~:text=Mechanical%20heart%20valves%20are%20made,place%20of%20the%20original%20valve.

5)https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/biological-replacement-durability-epic-plus/#:~:text=Tissue%20valves%20or%20bioprosthetic%20valves%20generally%20can%20last%20anywhere%20from,they%20are%20likely%20to%20last.

6)https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/valve-replacement-mechanical-or-tissue#:~:text=Tissue%20valves%2C%20which%20are%20made,to%20outlive%20their%20new%20valves.

7)https://heartsurgeryinfo.com/mechanical-heart-valves/

8)https://meetingarchive.ami.org/2017/project/1117-2-16-6-2-14-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/

9)https://myheart.net/articles/heart-valve-surgery-mechanical-vs-bioprosthetic-which-is-better/

10)https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/adult-congenital-heart-disease-achd

11)https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/congenital-heart-defects-and-critical-chds

Self Intro

 

Descriptive reflection

Dear Professor Blackstone, 

 

I am writing to provide you with a brief introduction of myself. I am currently studying at the Singapore Institution of Technology as a Year 1 Mechanical Engineering student. My journey here follows my graduation from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in biomedical engineering in 2023. Preceding my entry to SIT, I completed an introductory university Mathematics course spanning from March to April 2023.

 

From a young age, I have harbored a fascination for the inner workings of mechanical and electronic devices. around us work. I observe individuals engrossed in their mobile phones, earbuds, laptops, and other devices. Over the years, I have observed how technology has transformed our way of life. This evolution ignited my determination to unravel the mechanics behind our everyday tools, employing the realms of technology, science, and mathematics to enhance the quality of our lives. This brings me to the field of engineering.

A cornerstone of my character lies in being an active listener. Whether conversing with close friends, acquaintances, or peers, I approach each interaction with undivided attention, allowing their words to take precedence without interruption. Whenever someone confides in me, whether in moments of elation or adversity, I strive to be a receptive ear, fostering an environment that encourages constructive feedback to flourish. This commitment to sincere communication stems from my belief in the transformative power of authenticity. Growing up, I felt that sincerity in communication helps to establish trust and foster deeper connections between individuals. 

In acknowledging areas for growth, I have come to recognise my tendency toward soft-spokenness. Particularly, in larger group settings, I often find myself withholding my voice unless prompted. This weakness of mine can sometimes inadvertently project an impression of reserve. It is a trait that I am still actively working to refine, seeking to exude confidence in communication, especially in a bigger crowd. 

 

Through this module, my aspiration is to become a better speaker. Firstly, I hope to cultivate a newfound confidence that will empower me to communicate effectively, regardless of the size of the audience. Additionally, I endeavor to deepen my appreciation for the art of communication, 

 

Lastly, I want to end this letter with an emphasis on the significance of diligence in my approach to learning. Regardless of the challenges that are ahead of me, my unwavering commitment to hard work remains steadfast. I firmly believe that perseverance yields its rewards in due time and sets me apart in my pursuit of excellence.

 

Yours sincerely, 

 

Zhou Min 

SIT, Freshman 

Interpretation of quotation

“Employers identify communication as one of the basic competencies every

graduate should have, asserting that the ability to communicate is valuable for

obtaining employment and maintaining successful job performance.”

Sherwyn Morreale, Michael Osborn & Judy Pearson,

Professors of Communication (2000)

To me this quote illustrates that effective communication in the workplace is crucial for securing employment and it is also a cornerstone of success and career growth. Graduates with good communication skills are able to take up leadership positions that requires them to inspire and influence others to provide constructive feedback and more likely to excel in their roles.