Biomedical Engineering: Graduate Reports and Projects
https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/bmed_rpt/6
Date of Award
6-2025
Degree Name
MS in Biomedical Engineering
Department
Biomedical Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Christopher Heylman, PhD
Advisor Department
Biomedical Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
Despite the deadly nature and widespread occurrence of emergency bleeding events, there are currently no training devices or demonstrations which educate users on the urgency of these events and potential methods to address them. Additionally, current models often fail to replicate physiological conditions correctly. A fixture was created to demonstrate the urgency of hemorrhaging events and educate users on potential methods for treating hemorrhaging, namely tourniquets and pressure wraps. This fixture utilized gravity to replicate systolic blood pressure, a silicone model to replicate various adult leg sizes and correct tissue properties, and a tubing system with varying compliance to replicate the arteriovenous system. Emptying tests resulted in an average time of 54.61 seconds to lose 2 liters of blood, replicating a potentially fatal bleed. Outlet pressure testing yielded an average pressure of 121.23 mmHg, mimicking systolic blood pressure during a bleeding emergency. Durometer testing resulted in an average shore hardness of 00-35.42, replicating the characteristics of human leg tissue. Tourniquet and pressure wrap testing demonstrated the ability to show arterial occlusion and venous engorgement, showing successful and unsuccessful use of these tools. Overall, this project replicated physiological conditions to educate users on hemorrhaging events with refinement of the arteriovenous system and the addition of a pump as options to improve the circulatory system and venous return demonstrations.