10 August 2024
Summary
During my internship at the Healthcare Robotics (HeRo) Lab, Seoul National University, I contributed to a groundbreaking project focused on the development of a Superior Vena Cava (SVC) occlusion device. This experience not only expanded my technical skills but also solidified my passion for research, paving the way for my future in postgraduate studies.
Introduction
This summer, I had the unique opportunity to join the Healthcare Robotics (HeRo) Lab at Seoul National University as a research assistant. Under the mentorship of Professor Kyoungwon Amy Han, I collaborated with a talented team of graduate and undergraduate researchers on an innovative project aimed at developing a device to externally occlude the Superior Vena Cava (SVC). The project was twofold: conducting in-vivo testing on swine to evaluate the efficacy of SVC occlusion in reducing heart preload, and developing a novel soft robotic device capable of achieving this occlusion.
My primary contributions centered around sensor development, a crucial aspect of the project that ensured the precise actuation and control of the SVC occlusion device.
Responsibilities
During my time at the HeRo Lab, I undertook the following key responsibilities:
- Bending Sensor Development: I developed and tested various bending sensors, including strain gauges, velostat, and flex sensors, to determine the optimal solution for the device's feedback control. This involved multiple iterations of sensor placement to achieve the most accurate actuation feedback.
- Pressure Sensor Development: I designed and fabricated a barometric pressure sensor, encased in silicone, to measure intravascular pressure within the SVC. This sensor served as a critical component for monitoring central venous pressure, indirectly reflecting heart pressure and guiding device activation.
- Actuation Workflow Design: I integrated the sensors into a comprehensive actuation workflow for the SVC occlusion device. The bending sensor provided real-time feedback to ensure precise device shaping, while the pressure sensor triggered the device's occlusion function in response to elevated heart pressure.
Results
The research led to several significant achievements:
- Successful design and fabrication of a flex sensor tailored specifically for the SVC occlusion device.
- Establishment of an optimal sensor placement and calibration process, ensuring reliable and repeatable device occlusion.
- Development of a barometric pressure sensor capable of accurately measuring intravascular pressure within an SVC phantom model.
- Integration of hardware and software systems to enable controlled and responsive actuation of the SVC occlusion device.
Skills
My time at the HeRo Lab allowed me to develop and refine a diverse set of skills, including:
- Soft robotics (shape memory alloy (SMA), silicone)
- Circuit design and sensor fabrication
- Data Acquisition System (DAQ) integration
- MATLAB and C++ programming
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing (filament and resin)
- Surgical assistance and PV catheter operation
- Data analysis, rapid prototyping, and teamwork
- Experiment planning, result interpretation, and presentation
Reflection
This internship was transformative, both technically and personally. While the challenges were numerous—ranging from mastering new technical domains to designing experiments from scratch—the experience reinforced my commitment to research. Initially, I found myself overwhelmed by the complexities of soft robotics, sensor integration, and circuit design. However, with guidance from Professor Han and my team, I learned to break down large problems into manageable tasks, ultimately leading to meaningful progress.
A significant lesson was learning to embrace failure as part of the research process. Early setbacks in sensor testing and experiment design taught me the importance of persistence and iterative improvement. I realized that success in research is less about immediate results and more about rigorous planning, meticulous execution, and the resilience to learn from each setback.
Moreover, working closely with my team revealed the immense value of collaboration. The dynamic exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives, and shared passion for the project enhanced both the process and outcomes of our work. This experience has left me eager to find or build a team with whom I can continue to explore and innovate in future research endeavors.
As I reflect on this experience, I am more certain than ever that research is the right path for me. The intellectual challenges, the creative problem-solving, and the potential for impactful discoveries align perfectly with my passions and aspirations.
Conclusion
The summer I spent as a research assistant at the HeRo Lab was the most enriching and challenging period of my academic journey thus far. It not only broadened my technical expertise but also reshaped my understanding of research and its demands. The skills, insights, and confidence I gained during this internship will undoubtedly guide my future endeavors, whether in academia or industry.
I am deeply grateful to Professor Han for the opportunity to contribute to this important project and to my team members—Junghyeon, Youngjin, and Domin—for their collaboration and support. The memories and lessons from this time will remain with me as I continue to pursue my passion for research.