Automated Bile Suctioning Device

Collaborated with a team of Biomedical Engineering students to design and build a prototype device to remove excess bile from infants after surgical complications for the 2022 Rice University RespiraCon.

Project Highlights Include:

• Utilized breadboards, electrical relays, pumps, Arduino microcontrollers, and base electrical components to create a fully functional prototype hardware system capable of recognizing and suctioning a mock bile solution

• Used Arduino IDE to write software to control the constructed hardware loop, monitor intestinal conditions, and display data about probe readings

• Designed hardware and software safeguards to ensure the device only activates if bile is available in sufficient quantity to avoid intestinal abrasion

• Selected materials and designed a novel tubing head to prevent puncturing of the jejunum

• Consulted with clinicians and industry specialists throughout the brainstorming and design process to maximize the relevance and functionality of the final prototype

Skills Used: Arduino, Programming, Rapid Prototyping, Electronics, Communication, Presentation

Project Outcomes: Awarded “Best Presentation” after presenting the design and prototyped device to a panel of surgeons, engineers, and other participants