The Cardiovascular Experimental (CAVE) lab applies hemodynamics and biomechanics into investigating various conditions and diseases in the cardiovascular system. The approach involves both numerical studies as well as in vitro experimental studies. Furthermore, we are in close collaboration with the Clinical Institute at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital for continuing the research into animal and clinical experiments.
The primary focus of our investigations is on the test and evaluation of prosthetic heart valves both surgical types (mechanical and bioprosthetic) and percutaneous catheter inserted valves (TAVI), as well characterising the effect of various types of surgical procedures.
In the CAVE lab, our experimental modalities include recording of pressure (Millar microtip catheters), flow (Transonic transit time flowmeter and GE Vivid i ultrasound scanner), high speed imaging (two Photron Fastcam SA3 for 3D analyses), digital image correlation analysis for strain recording in tissues (ARAMIS software), custom built strain gauge based transducer (for force measurements in various structures) and 3D print of force transducers, flow phantoms or other structures.
