Semester of Graduation

Spring 2026

Degree

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Department

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is among the most common causes of death in developed countries, being responsible for 50 000 to 100 000 deaths in the United States every year. One of its main causes is the formation of thrombi in the legs that migrate to the lungs. The main treatment is anticoagulants; however, filters are placed on the vena cava in cases where there are contraindications, even though filter failures are frequent and well-documented in literature. Filter tilting and vein compression are associated with complications, but current detection methods rely on contrast imaging or radiography only. In this work, we aim to explore the mechanics of the inferior vena cava to study filter behavior and detect failure events. A benchtop silicone model was used to simulate the vein. It contains flexible strain gauge sensors made with Kapton and elastomeric carbon black-based ink. Blood clots were cast in silicone to mimic flow obstructions, and a pneumatic actuator simulated the dynamic nature of the vena cava, namely by creating steady compression, breathing contractions or the Valsalva maneuver-driven narrowing. Preliminary tests showed that the flexible sensor had a sensitivity between 0.3 and 1 and do not significantly affect the mechanics of the substrate. Embedded sensors showed that the highest strain on the vein occurred in the circumferential direction, which was used for subsequent experiments. The filter increased the local strain on the vein, and tilting it increased the strain near the hook while decreasing it on the opposite side of the vein. The presence of clots can be detected if they obstruct most of the flow as a reduction in the overall strain. Compressing the vein decreases the strain on the vein wall but makes it more sensitive to flow pulses. Overall, the average strain increases, but the interaction between flow and filter placement is complex although detectable through the sensors. Pulsatile compressions are detectable as well, and the Valsalva maneuver is visible on time series as stronger pulses, making the strain pattern on the walls even more visible.

Date

3-8-2026

Committee Chair

Herbert, Robert

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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Available for download on Monday, March 08, 2027

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