Micro-assistant for reducing

cardiovascular arrests
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

PRESENTED BY:
ABHISHEK VAIDYA

Motivation: Heart disease & testosterone

According to a recent study presented in 97th Annual
meeting of Endocrine Society a high level of testosterone
in blood elevates the risk of heart attack [1]

Testosterone is directly related to the cholesterol level

which is responsible for cardio vascular disease
In another study performed by American Medical
Association a 30% higher risk of heart attack was recorded
in subjects who underwent Testosterone Therapy.

The result was theorized to increased probability of

formation of blood clot due to higher testosterone levels
Real time monitoring of testosterone levels and
subsequent drug administration can reduce the heart
attack risks to a large extent

[1] Cardiovascular Endocrinology: Endocrine Society's 97th Annual Meeting and Expo, March 58, 2015 - San Diego.

Nanomedicine
Repair, construction and control of human biological system
using devices built upon nanotechnology standard

Targeted Delivery:
Delivering drug to a specific site in the body where it has
greatest effect instead of allowing it to diffuse where it may
have side effects

Controlled Delivery:
Delivery of drug at a predetermined rate
Fig. Nanomedicine

Bio-implantable devices
Implantable bio devices are capable of
supporting a sensor-actuator eco-system that
can be used to monitor a specific parameter
in the human body and trigger a subsequent
actuation mechanism to regulate the
parameter
Some existing bio-implantable devices include
Pacemakers, neurostimulators, insulin pumps
etc.
We can utilize the recent study on
testosterone and heart disease relation to
develop a possible bio-implantable device
that can monitor and administer drugs to
regulate the testosterone level in the body
Fig. Wireless Implantable devices [2]

[2] IMD Shield: Securing Implantable Medical Devices, http://groups.csail.mit.edu/netmit/IMDShield/

Micro-assistant as bio-implantable device

Micro-assistant should have two major modules:
1. Testosterone level monitor A microfluidic system that can get a blood sample and run
quick tests to find testosterone levels
A sensor that can detect the test results and stimulate the
actuator

2. Automated drug administration module An actuator that can activate the micro-pump based on
the test results from monitoring module
A micro-pump and a drug reservoir to administer the drug
into the blood stream to reduce the testosterone level
Fig. A prototype of micro-assistant [3]
[3] http://spectrum.ieee.org/image/1420329

Advantages and Challenges

Advantages:
Pre-detection and instant release of drug reduces the risk of heart attack
Real time monitoring and controlled drug release helps keep the bodily functions at the optimum level
Worry free about timely manual administration of drugs

Challenges:
Normal testosterone level varies from person to person and thus it becomes necessary to calibrate the
sensor and actuator
Blood sample collection and byproduct handling has to be highly efficient to minimize the blood usage
for a microfluidic based system
The device has to be energy efficient or self sustaining in ideal case
Since the average testosterone level is a fraction of nanogram per uL, the test has to be very efficient
A test that does not contaminate blood so that it can be reused

Thank You..!