Polymer Actuated Patient-specific Artery Phantoms for Simulating Stenosis and Dilation

Abstract:
This study presents a novel fabrication process for patient-specific bifurcated arterial phantoms integrated with electroactive polymer actuators enabling active control of internal geometries. Device fabrication is achieved via direct ink writing of PDMS within a hydrophilic support gel, resulting in the desired high-resolution 3D structure. Previously, PEDOT:PSS - PDMS bilayer actuators have demonstrated electro-thermomechanical actuation due to hygroscopic effects. Integration of these films with printed PDMS structures has been achieved through spray coating and the polymer formulation has been shown to be conductive and demonstrate actuation with applied heating. Further refinement is required to achieve the required surface finish of printed samples for analysis by particle image velocimetry and obtaining a uniform electroactive polymer coating.