Timothy N. Bachman

Home Town:  Sinking Spring, PA, USA

Degree(s) Obtained: B.S. in Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Current Status:  Graduate student researcher in pursuit of M.S. in Bioengineering

Current Area of Research: Optimal apical cannula design and placement for turbodynamic ventricular assist devices

Profile:

Currently used inflow cannulae are designed for pulsatile, first-generation left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).  These cannula designs show poor hemocompatibility and can become occluded by anatomic structures within the left ventricle (LV).  A redesign can overcome these limitations so that second- and third-generation, turbodynamic VADs can be used safely and effectively.

Previous studies have shown that a low-profile cannula tip geometry provides mechanical support for the LV wall at the apex while at the same time assuring proper positioning and desirable flow characteristics [1],[2].  Timothy Bachman is working to verify that this cannula design, further developed at CMU and Launchpoint Technologies, meets the requirements of VADs of the 21st Century. 

In addition to designing and testing a new cannula, Timothy is also studying cannula positioning by performing CT reconstructions of patients with VADs.  These reconstructions are more clearly able to illustrate the possible problems that cannulae can encounter after the patient’s chest has been closed, such as kinking and anatomic interference.

Contact:  tbachman@engr.pitt.edu