PhD Studentship: Computational Modelling of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantations

A fully funded PhD studentship is available under the supervision of Dr Shelly Singh-Gryzbon, with a start date of 1 October 2024. Funding will cover the student's stipend and tuition fees at the UK rate. Non-UK applicants will be considered only if they can fund the overseas fees differential or if they are awarded a suitable scholarship.  (Please note that there are no additional funds available via the University for which applicants can apply.)

Background: The heart has four valves that work together to ensure unidirectional flow of blood. These valves are the aortic and mitral valves on the left side, and the pulmonary and tricuspid valve on the right side. Heart valve disease is when one or more of these valve do not function as they should, for instance the valve may not open fully (valve stenosis) or close fully (leaky valve or valve regurgitation). Aortic valve stenosis is one of the most common and serious heart valve diseases that, if left untreated, may lead to heart failure. Aortic valve replacement is used to treat affected patients, this involves replacing the diseased valve with a prosthetic valve made from synthetic materials (e.g. mechanical valve) or animal tissue (e.g. bioprosthetic valve). Transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI) has emerged as non-invasive alternative to surgical aortic valve replacements (SAVR). It was initially developed for patients at high surgical risk but is now being used for in younger patients with low surgical risk, raising concerns about its long-term durability compared to SAVR.

Objectives: Understanding the fluid dynamics and biomechanical interactions between the TAVI device and patient anatomy is critical for reducing the risk of adverse clinical outcomes. This project will use computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) with patient-data to provide insights into the development and progression of adverse outcomes associated with TAVI and valve-in-valve procedures, including thrombosis, coronary obstruction, and paravalvular leakage.

Requirements: Applicants should have a First Class (or high Upper Second Class) degree or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related subject. Applicants with relevant research experience, gained through Master's study or while working, are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: Interested applicants must submit a formal application for admission with the supporting documents, indicating Dr Singh-Gryzbon as the prospective supervisor and note the vacancy reference number, NQ41435, in the research proposal field.. For further information about the application process, please see: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egcepdcng We are unable to consider late or incomplete applications for this studentship, so applicants should ensure that they apply in good time for references to be provided.

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Shelly Singh-Gryzbon, ss3127@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference NQ41435 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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