Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Biomedical Engineering
Session: 2
Room: Harding
Kamaya Jackson - Delaware State University
Co-Author(s): Co-Author(s): Dr. Stanislaw Jung, University of Sciences and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Poland; Sara Zych, University of Sciences and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Poland; Anna Panasiu, University of Sciences and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Poland
Pectus Carinatum is a deformity, which is seen in children and adolescents, of the chest that causes the breastbone to protrude. This protrusion happens when the cartilage that connects the ribs and sternum grow irregularly. This deformity is mentally, physically, and emotionally trying for those affected. Apart from important cosmetic impact this chest deformity may affect thoracic viscera. Pectus Carinatum may be treated surgically, but the primary approach is non-operative. Although surgery is the quickest method to fix the problem, but it leaves behind a scar and surgery does not correct the flaring of the ribs or fix the thorax. The orthoses used currently are not always accepted by the patients as they are rigid and easily seen by patient?s peers. In this clinical trial, we present our own device of elastic orthosis in form of t-shirt with elastic items compression the exturbance of the deformity. The device, known as the ?Pump Chest,? has three inner pockets with elastic walls, which is filled with a desired substance (saline, air, etc) that then applies pressure to the areas that are not flush to the chest. The inner pockets are made of firmer material, so that the substance in the pockets does not freely move around and are focused on the problem area. The construction of PUMP CHEST with elastic ‘pillows’ and bilayer pocket of different elasticity allows the compression to act inward. The device gives those affected by this deformity more confidence, because it does not bring attention to them and it helps to flatten the protruding sternum. The patients will wear the shirt for around 12 hours a day for a certain amount of days. Both the medical professionals applying the treatment, and the patient will fill out a questionnaire for each fabric to gauge the specifics of each case. The clinical trial is still in progress, and awaiting results. We hypothesize that the shirt will be a more comfortable, and effective way to help with the deformity. The Pump Chest will be useful because it is not rigid and not as noticeable as current non-operative treatment.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): University of Science and Technology (UTP), Bydgoszcz, Poland; Dr. Stanislaw Jung and the Medical Bioengineering Faculty ; International Affairs Office with Professor Adam Gadomski; The Philadelphia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation ; The National Science Foundation ;Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mazen Shahin, mshahin@desu.edu
Role: The part of the research that I did was partnered with a tailer to discuss the design of the shirt and any possible alteration to create the best possible products (suggestions in stitching as well as fabric type for the pockets), constructing the preliminary article, and constructed a questionnaire for patients as well as those administering the treatment.