Medical Devices

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Vanderbilt researchers have created a new multi-organs-on-chip platform that comprises Perfusion Control systems, MicroFormulators, and MicroClinical Analyzers connected via fluidic networks. The real-time combination of multiple different solutions to create customized perfusion media and the analysis of the effluents from each well are both controlled by the intelligent use of a computer-operated system of pumps and valves. This permits, for the first time, a compact, low-cost system for creating a time-dependent drug dosage profile in a tissue system inside each well.

A Vanderbilt University research team led by Professor John Wikswo has developed low-cost, small-volume, metering peristaltic micropumps and microvalves. These pumps and valves can be used either as stand-alone devices incorporated into microfluidic subsystems, or as readily customized components for research or miniaturized point-of-care instruments, Lab-on-a-Chip devices, and disposable fluid delivery cartridges.

Vanderbilt students have created a stabilization system for secure and stable MRI positioning of hands, wrists, knees, shoulders, and the lower back, using affordable, easy to use, and readily available materials. The system effectively reduces image blurring using a non-irritating film and a supportive frame. This device can simultaneously improve MRI diagnosis, enhance the patient experience, and minimize the time and financial burdens of image retakes.

This device is designed to assist physical therapists in collection of objective data during gait analysis, to facilitate appropriate assistive gait device prescription, to provide patients and therapists feedback during gait training, and to reduce wrist and shoulder injuries with cane usage.Currently gait characteristics are "measured" in a clinic-based atmosphere. This has two limitations: (i) subjective allocation of "measures" of gait characteristics and (ii) limited data based on trials in the clinic ONLY. What this technology is designed to do is achieve freedom from both of these limitations. The measurements are objective and numerical values (force etc.) and the clinic could provide the cane to the user for obtaining a much more extensive data set including use during normal life activities at home etc.