The Future of Medicine: NAU’s Bioengineering Devices Laboratory
Located on the campus of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, the Bioengineering Devices Laboratory is revolutionizing the way we approach stroke treatments. Equipped with a state-of-the-art surgical suite, researchers at the lab are using 3D-printed model ‘patients’ to test and develop innovative medical devices.
Professor Tim Becker, the head of the lab, emphasizes the need for perfection in their work. With a focus on testing and evaluating different devices, the lab aims to determine the most effective treatment options for strokes and aneurysms.
Collaborating with Harvard Medical School, the researchers at NAU are able to monitor real-time measurements during treatments, providing valuable insights into device performance and patient outcomes.
But the lab’s work doesn’t stop at testing existing devices – they are also dedicated to creating new solutions. From polymer coatings to prevent blood clotting to innovative devices like the balloon mesh designed to prevent brain bleeds, the team at NAU is pushing the boundaries of modern medicine.
PhD students like Sophia Robertson and Wyatt Clark are at the forefront of this groundbreaking research, developing cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to save lives and improve patient outcomes.
As Wyatt Clark eloquently puts it, “To know that I’m developing a device that hopefully nobody ever needs, but when they do need it, it’s going to be there for them, that’s what keeps me going.”
Ultimately, the goal of the Bioengineering Devices Laboratory is to make stroke treatments less intimidating and more effective. By combining engineering expertise with medical innovation, NAU is paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare.
Watch 12News+ for free
Stay updated with the latest news and live events by downloading the 12News+ app. Stream daily newscasts and exclusive content on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, and enjoy on-demand videos of top stories and local features.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience news in a whole new way – download the 12News+ app today!
