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Abstract Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its consequences are lethal, but current models cannot completely dissect its determinants—endothelium, flow, and blood constituents—together called Virchow's triad. Most models for studying DVT forego assessment of venous valves that serve as the primary sites of DVT formation. Therefore, the knowledge of DVT formed at the venous cusps has remained obscure due to lack of experimental models. Here, organ‐on‐chip methodology is leveraged to create a Vein‐Chip platform integrating fully vascularized venous valves and its hemodynamic, as seen in vivo. These Vein‐Chips reveal that vascular endothelium of valve cusps adapts to the locally disturbed microenvironment by expressing a different phenotype from the regions of uniform flow. This spatial adaptation of endothelial function recreated on the in vitro Vein‐Chip platform is shown to protect the vein from thrombosis from disturbed flow in valves, but interestingly, cytokine stimulation reverses the effect and switches the valve endothelium to becoming prothrombotic. The platform eventually modulates the three factors of Virchow's triad and provides a systematic approach to investigate the determinants of fibrin and platelet dynamics of DVT. Therefore, this Vein‐Chip offers a new preclinical approach to study venous pathophysiology and show effects of antithrombotic drug treatment.
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Project-based learning via creation and testing of a silicone venous valve model
Project-based learning is an important tool in undergraduate engineering education, providing opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of engineering fundamentals, to enhance their capacity for problem solving and communication, and to develop specific engineering-related skills. Here, we describe the efforts of a team of undergraduate students in creating a silicone venous valve model and experimental flow control setup, and in demonstrating the basic capabilities of the overall experimental system. We describe the process of designing and building the venous valve models and test setup and lessons learned by the students through this experience. In addition to providing invaluable experience for the students involved, this project has provided a visual demonstration of the function of venous valves, and provides a platform for fundamental research on the effect of venous valve shape, size and mechanical properties on the development of disease such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which are a leading cause of death in the United States, especially among hospital patients. Findings from research using this test setup can move us toward a better understanding of patient risk levels for DVT and PE, so that physicians can make informed decisions regarding preventative measures.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2138836
- PAR ID:
- 10594189
- Publisher / Repository:
- ASEE Conferences
- Date Published:
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Location:
- Portland, Oregon
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Conference Paper:
- https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--47887
