PhD in Human Cardiovascular Sciences
Investigating the link between cardiovascular procedures, emboli, and neurologic disorders

Stroke has since long been a rare, but major complication that can occur after cardiovascular procedures such as heart valve surgery, catheterizations, or transcatheter valve implantations. Newer diagnostic approaches now corroborate the suspicion that there are far more frequent, subtle insults to the brain as well, caused by micro-particles and air emboli that are accidentally released into the blood stream during such procedures. These may cause cognitive disorders or memory deficits over a wildly varying time frame, which makes clinical studies on this topic difficult, however it can be agreed upon that preventing emboli from reaching the brain would be beneficial in all cases.

Cardiocentro Ticino and Università della Svizzera italiana, in collaboration with the ETH Zürich, offer a PhD position to experimentally assess the characteristics of emboli travel in the cardiovascular system and test possible prevention mechanisms. More information on the PhD programs are published under Faculty of Biomedical Sciences – PhD Program
The candidate (MD or MSc in Engineering) is expected to work with hydraulic models of the cardiovascular system in which emboli release can be simulated. Several techniques will need to be developed to obtain a realistic release of both particulate and air emboli, as they can be expected to occur in a patient. This means that certain cardiovascular procedures will have to be simulated in the models as well.

  

The candidate is also expected to refine and apply different methods for the quantitative analysis of the particle pathways to evaluate their risk to the brain. This includes the testing and modification of filters or traps and the application of ultrasound bubble counters.

 

Requirements

– MD degree or MSc degree in biomedical engineering or mechatronics or similar.
– Either experience with 3D modeling and fabrication techniques, or solid knowledge of anatomy and cardiovascular procedures and instruments. The missing skills needs to be acquired during the PhD.
– Proficiency in written and spoken English.

 

We offer

– Fixed-term position of min. 3 year duration.
– International working environment in close cooperation with engineers and clinicians
– Office in an engineering laboratory, with contacts to the hospital to observe procedures.

ATTENTION: The position is not funded, i.e. the candidate must have or obtain an appropriate scholarship or research funds to cover her/his stay. Material expenses related to the research project are covered.

 

Applications have to include the following documents (in English):

1. Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, theses and project reports
2. A list with former supervisors that can be contacted as reference (with e-mail addresses).
3. A copy of academic certificates (Bachelor, Master of Science, PhD etc.)

 

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