At the end of the course, students will have acquired the following competences: Knowledge and understanding: - Describe the operating principles, design criteria, and performance metrics of major cardiovascular devices, including next generation devices; - Explain experimental and computational techniques used for device characterization and validation; - Illustrate the concepts and workflow of digital twin technologies and in silico trials in cardiovascular engineering. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - Apply engineering methods to design and evaluate cardiovascular devices under specific operating requirements; - Select and use appropriate experimental or computational techniques to analyze device performance; - Interpret results from simulations and experiments in the context of device design and optimization. Making judgements - Critically assess design choices and modelling assumptions in cardiovascular engineering applications. - Compare alternative design or analysis strategies considering accuracy, robustness, and clinical relevance. Communication skills - Present technical results in written form (scientific report) with appropriate structure, clarity, and terminology.

Basic knowledge of solid and tissue mechanics. Knowledge of biofluid mechanics, as covered in the first year of the MS program in Biomedical Engineering. Knowledge of cardiovascular system biomechanics.

Interaction between the cardiovascular system and artificial devices. Experimental techniques for the characterization of cardiovascular devices: test benches for hydrodynamic performance evaluation; anemometric techniques for the analysis of local fluid dynamics. Computational techniques for designing and characterizing cardiovascular devices: digital twins and in silico trials Operating principles, design and evaluation criteria of vascular stents (coronary stents, peripheral stents, intracranial stents). Operating principles, design and evaluation criteria of prosthetic heart valves (mechanical, biological, percutaneous; aortic, mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary prostheses). Operating principles, design and evaluation criteria of left atrial appendage occlusion devices Operating principles, design and evaluation criteria of endograft devices for the treatment of aortic diseases (endovascular aneurysm repair procedure). Laboratory activities aimed at the experimental and computational evaluation of cardiovascular devices and related instrumentation, including: - CAD modeling and computational fluid dynamics simulations; - Experimental demonstration of the working principles of mock circulatory loops and particle image velocimetry experiments.

Lectures (30 hours) + laboratories (30 hours). Attendance at laboratory sessions is not mandatory for eligibility for the final exam but is strongly recommended. Topics covered during seminars and laboratory activities will be included in the examination.

Slides, scientific articles and laboratory texts provided by lecturers. Clinical and experimental data, along with images provided during lab sessions. Manuals and basic examples of application of CFD codes and equipment used in the laboratory.

Lecture slides; Simulation tools;

Exam: Written test; Group project;

The examination, consisting of a written test and a group project report, aims to verify the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, in particular: - knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular device principles, design, and performance, together with experimental and computational methods for their characterization and validation, including digital twin technologies and in silico trials (written test); - ability to apply methods and tools to real-world problems (group project); - critical interpretation and communication of results (both components). Grades are given in thirtieths, with a minimum passing grade of 18/30. The two parts of the exam are structured as follows: - Part I – Written Test (2/3 of final grade): This part consists of open-ended questions on the topics covered in the course syllabus, designed to test the level of knowledge and understanding. The duration of the written test is 1-1.5 hours. During the exam, no supporting material (books, notes, exercise sheets, or electronic devices) is allowed. - Part II – Group Project (1/3 of final grade): Students will work in groups to address real-world problems related to the design and characterization of cardiovascular devices. Each group will submit a report of the work done in the form of a scientific article. The evaluation will consider clarity, completeness, technical soundness, and the ability to appropriately apply experimental and/or computational methods, as well as to critically interpret the results. The written test primarily assesses knowledge skills, while the group project evaluates application skills and higher-level competencies such as problem-solving, critical analysis, and technical communication, ensuring alignment with the expected learning outcomes. Honours (lode) may be awarded to students who achieve an excellent performance in both parts of the exam, demonstrating a level of knowledge, critical analysis, and clarity of presentation that is significantly above average. Exam results will be posted on the teaching portal, along with information on when students can view their work and request clarifications.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.