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A list of available projects for undergraduate and masters students is shown below. If you are interested in any of these projects contact Prof. Nikos Stergiopulos with the project title and your background.

1) Simulation and design optimization of a novel implantable glaucoma drainage device

This project involves a 3D model of the aqueous humour flow in the human eye. Geometry is based on histological scans and reconstruction of the key eye structures (trabeculum, Schlemm's canal, collecting veins). Flow is simulated using 3D CFD codes. The goal of the project is to evaluate the fluidic effects of glaucoma drainage devices and to optimize a new adjustable device under development.

2) Global arterial parameter estimation from noninvasive peripheral pressure wave measurements: an experimental and computer simulation study

The project is based on a 1D model of the entire systemic circulation developed previously in the lab. The goal is to use this model to "extract" global parameter of the arterial system, such as total arterial compliance or cardiac output, based on noninvasive peripheral pressure and/or flow recordings.

3) What is the relative distribution of spinal subarachnoid space volumetric compliance in healthy subjects?

Goal: To measure compliance of the spinal subarachnoid space non-invasively using a novel 4D MRI protocol. This project will require some work at CHUV to obtain MRI flow data of the cerebrospinal fluid. The data will be extracted and processed at EPFL to obtain the 4D cerebrospinal velocity flow field and perform various calculations to obtain properties of the spinal canal such as compliance and wall sheer stress. This data will be obtained on a small set of subjects (n=1-3) and used as a pilot study to expand in future work examining the importance of spinal subarachnoid space compliance in craniospinal and cerebrovascular disorders such as hydrocephalus, syringomyelia, Chiari malformation, and chronic venous insufficiency.

4) Does continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) influence cranial blood flow in healthy volunteers

Goal: To quantify the cerebral blood flow response to administration of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in healthy subjects. CPAP is used for treament of sleep apnea, acting as a pneumatic splint to prevent collapse of the pharyngeal airway by increasing thoracic pressure. However, it is yet unclear exactly how CPAP might influence cerebral blood flow. This project will quantify cerebral blood flow using Doppler and transcranial ultrasound during and without CPAP in healthy subject. Ultrasound measurements will be obtained at the CHUV neurology service center. Data will be analyzed using various techniques to calculate the global cerebral blood flow based on the measurements.

5) Are changes in intracranial pressure detectable by measurement of the cerebrospinal fluid velocity wave speed in the spinal canal?

Goal: To determine if a novel MRI sequence and Matlab post-processing technique is sensitive to changes in intracranial pressure. Craniospinal compliance has been thought to be an important indicator of craniospinal disease severity. However, due to lack of access, it is difficult to assess craniospinal compliance. This project aims to determine if a novel MRI sequence (already developed) is capable of detecting changes in intracranial pressure in healthy subjects. This work will require conducting some MRI measurements at CHUV and processing the data in Matlab to obtain indices indicative of intracranial pressure. The data will be used to obtain properties of the spinal subarachnoid space such as compliance and aid in conducting numerical simulations of the cerebrospinal fluid system.

6) Non-invasive measurement of cerebrovascular compliance

Goal: To measure cerebrovascular compliance by a novel medical device (proof of concept). This project will involve the construction of a prototype device for measurement of cerebrovascular compliance. Experiments will be conducted at the CHUV or at LHTC laboratory with the aim of proof of concept. Data will be analyzed and compared with numerical simulations and in vitro experiments.

7) Design and development of a novel aortic graft

Goal: To design and construct a novel aortic graft (prototype). This project will involve the simulation, construction, and testing of a novel aortic graft. Simulations will be performed using ANSYS. Construction and testing of a prototype will be conducted in the LHTC laboratory.