The course of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Engineering aims to provide advanced engineering knowledge on cardiovascular devices as well as on assisted ventilation devices, and diagnostic tools, with particular emphasis on next generation design tools and characterization techniques. In this regard, the potency of approaches based on digital twin technology extended to cardiovascular and respiratory medicine is a central argument of the course. The course gives a thorough treatment of engineering methods and tools aimed at understanding how the integration of in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches, supported by robust optimization strategies and AI applications can significantly affect (1) the design and innovation phase of cardiovascular and respiratory devices, intended as part of a complex system, and (2) the clinical translation and the robustness of tools of cardiovascular and respiratory disease prediction. Alongside the theoretical insights, space is dedicated to illustrative examples and projects that allow the students to translate concepts in practical applications as well as in experiences in the context of their future professional life. The use of examples and practical applications is also aimed at stimulating reflection on how basic fluid and solid mechanics theory constitute essential information for the adoption of correct design and characterization procedures, also in consideration of the methods available for their optimization. Emphasis is therefore placed on the current practices at the basis of medical device technologies and on typical concepts of engineering utility, maintaining a logical and explanatory link of the basic aspects of biomechanics with cardiovascular as well as respiratory science.

Ability in properly addressing design, optimization and characterization of cardiovascular and respiratory medical devices. Confidence with digital twin-based and in silico trials-based strategies for developing and testing innovative medical devices with reduced social and economic burden.

Basic knowledge of Solid and Tissue Mechanics. Knowledge of Biofluid Mechanics as already learned in the first year MS in Biomedical Engineering.

Interaction between the cardiovascular and the artificial systems. Introduction to international regulations for cardiovascular devices. Introduction to experimental techniques for characterizing cardiovascular devices: test benches for hydrodynamic performance evaluation; anemometric techniques for analyzing local fluid dynamics in cardiovascular devices. Introduction to computational techniques for designing and characterizing cardiovascular devices: in silico trials Design and evaluation criteria of prosthetic heart valves (mechanical, biological, percutaneous; aortic, mitral, tricuspid prostheses). Design and evaluation criteria of coronary and pheripheral (femoral, carotid) stents. Design and evaluation criteria of endograft devices for the treatment of aortic diseases (EVAR, TEVAR). Design criteria for extracorporeal blood recirculating devices. Additive manufacturing for cardiovascular engineering applications: from prototyping to 3D printing for creating personalized cardiovascular phantoms. Laboratory activities will be planned to allow students to focus on the experimental and computational evaluation of cardiovascular devices and related instrumentation.

Lectures (30 hours) + labs (30 hours). Attendance at the labs is not compulsory to be eligible for the final exam but attendance is strongly recommended. The topics covered during laboratory activities will be subject of examination.

Slides, scientific articles and lab texts provided by the lecturer. Clinical and experimental data and images provided during lab sessions. Manuals and basic examples of application of CFD codes and equipments adopted in the laboratory.

Slides; Strumenti di simulazione;

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;

Exam: Written test; Group project;

... The examination is designed to ascertain knowledge of the topics listed in the official syllabus of the course and the ability to apply the theory and related experimental and computational methods to case studies. Grades are given in thirtieths, and the exam is passed if the grade given is at least 18/30. The examination consists of a written test of open-ended exercises on the topics contained in the teaching syllabus and is designed to test the level of knowledge and understanding of the topics covered. The purpose of the written exam is to verify the skills mentioned above (cf. Expected Learning Outcomes): in fact, the exam includes exercises that require the need to identify and apply the most appropriate tools for their resolution, but also theoretical questions, which require the student's ability to construct a logical chaining by applying in sequence theoretical results seen in class. The duration of the written test is 2 hours. Notebooks, books, exercise sheets, forms, calculators may not be kept or consulted during the conduct of the exam. Exam results are announced on the teaching portal, along with the date when students can view the assignment and ask for clarification.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.