Engineering
Supraventricular Tachycardia Model
Some people are born with an extra electrical pathway in their heart that makes it beat very fast, known as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). This can make patients feel dizzy, short of breath, or even pass out. Dr. Mohammad Al-Mousily, a pediatric electrophysiologist at UF Health Shands Hospital, needed a tangible way to explain normal versus extra (“accessory”) electrical pathways in SVT to patients and families - something more engaging than paper diagrams. We created a 3D-printed heart model with embedded LEDs to simulate both normal sinus rhythm and SVT arrhythmia, easing pre-operative anxiety and improving understanding.
My Role
Lead Biomedical Engineer
Duration
1.5 years
Tools
SolidWorks, 3D Printing, Arduino
Overview
Physicians find it hard to convey the dynamic nature of SVT conduction using static images, which leaves patients and families confused/anxious about the upcoming procedure.
I worked with the team to brainstorm and sketch initial design ideas.
I co-designed and 3D-printed a custom lid and housing for the electronics.
We used a drill press to make precise LED mounting holes.
After installing green and red LED strips, we programmed sequential light patterns in Arduino (green for normal, red for SVT), creating a clear, visual demonstration of both rhythms.
Research
Gathered background information about SVT.
Interviewed Dr. Al-Mousily to pinpoint teaching objectives and define anatomical landmarks for the physical SVT model.
Conducted team meetings with Dr. Al-Mousily to understand how to time LED pulses accurately for the normal sinus rhythm vs. the SVT arrhythmia.
Design
Starting from hand sketches, I worked with a team of 3 to iterate a CAD model of the lid (which would have a heart engraving) and electronics box to ensure snug LED placement. After 3D printing the components, we mounted LED strips beneath drilled holes. In Arduino IDE, we developed two looped light sequences - green for normal rhythm, red to simulate SVT - validating pulse timing before final assembly.
Results
Delivered the working SVT model to Dr. Al-Mousily on time.
Methods paper detailing our approach accepted in Life journal.
Showcased the model at Dream Team Engineering’s Exhibition Day to medical students, clinicians, and patients, receiving enthusiastic feedback and cementing our team’s role in clinical education.
