Biomedical Engineering

Today's medical care relies heavily on sophisticated devices, technologies, and information systems. This equipment helps doctors, nurses, and clinical staff achieve remarkable things. At the same time, it is highly complex. Devices must be carefully integrated so that they function seamlessly and that the medical information health care providers require is available when they need it.

The Biomedical Engineering Department keeps the Heart lnstitute's and the Research Corporation's technology and systems working smoothly. We provide planning and support for the adoption, installation, and maintenance of all medical technology, whether it is used for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, or for research. The program's professional engineers, technologists, and technicians keep equipment functioning smoothly and plan and implement innovative construction and device integration projects.

Manager

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Education

The Biomedical Engineering Department supervises and teaches aspiring biomedical and clinical engineers and biomedical technologists through cooperative education placements and internships. These placements provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and enhanced education in a health care setting.

Leacross Foundation Endowment for Biomedical Engineering

Through the Leacross Foundation Endowment, the Biomedical Engineering Department offers remunerated training internships to female undergraduate and graduate biomedical engineers. The opportunity to train in the Heart lnstitute's complex and advanced medical environment is invaluable for those looking to explore, practice, and hone their biomedical engineering skills. Interested applicants are invited to make their submissions by sending a letter of interest along with their CV between November 1 and December 31 for next year's placements.

Leacross Projects

Year Student Institution Project
2022 Matricardi, Sophia Carleton 3rd Year BENg Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Focus on Durable LVAD Technology
2022 Hassan, Randa Carleton 4th Year BEng Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) Cost-Benefit Analysis, Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Battery Longevity Assessment, Biomedical Devices Active Knowledge Base 

2021

Lavallee, Aaryn

Carleton University (3rd year) BEng

Groin Clamp Design and Procurement

2021

Watkins, Emily

Queens University (3rd year) Biomedical Engineering

Infusion Pump Workflow Improvement

2019

Thompson, Hannah

Queens University (2nd year) Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Biomechanical Sub)

CCO Monitor Market Research and OHIRC Laboratory Inventory

2018

Hadj- Moussa, Firdous

Carleton University (4th year), BEng, Biomedical Mechanical Engineering

VAC Equipment Depot: Management and Set Up

2018

Mayenburg, Jessica

Carleton University (3rd year), BEng, Biomedical Mechanical Engineering

ACT EPIC Integration

2017

Frizzel, Tory

University of Guelph (Final Year), BEng, Biomedical Engineering

Automated Asset Location and Record Reconciliation Program

2017

Kaczmarek, Emily

Carleton University, (3rd year), BEng, Biomedical Mechanical Engineering

Expansion Project Auditing and Verification Program

2016

Benitez Ferriera, Sofia

University of Ottawa, (4th year), Bachelor of Applied Science Biomedical Mechanical

Biomedical Device Training Resources

2016

Ng, Becky

Carleton University (3rd year),  Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering

Creating Compatibility Between the PB 980 Ventilator and the VMax Encore 29 Metabolic Measurement Instrument (Leacross Intern)

2015

Shae, Kaela

University of Guelph (4th year) BEng, Biomedical Engineering

Use of Constant Voltage Pulses During Autonomic Stimulation within the EP Lab

2015

Lowden, Hailey

Carleton University (2nd year) Biomedical – Electrical Engineering

Premature Loss of Capacity in Sealed Lead Acid Batteries and the Importance of Routine Testing 

(Leacross Intern)

2014

Kah, Anna

Carleton University (3rd year)

Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical and Electrical

Metabolic Measures for Nutritional Assessment of the Critical Care patient

2014

Fiset, Sandra

Carleton University (4th year)

Bachelor of Engineering,

Biomedical and Mechanical

Transthoracic Impedance

2013

Bruch, Sarah

Carleton University (3rd year)

Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical and Electrical

Clinical Engineering

2013

Reiche, Brittany

University of Guelph (3rd year)

Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering

Clinical Engineering

2011

Baykova, Aleksandra

Carleton University (4th year) Engineering Program

Clinical Engineering

2010

Zhang, Rachel

University of Toronto, MHSc Candidate

Application development, TEE probe utilization, heart transplant organ transport assessment


Contact
Gaetanne Heggie, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., CCE
Acting Manager/Sr.Clinical Engineer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
40 Ruskin Street, Room H-S512 Ottawa, ON Canada K1Y 4W7
613-696-7000 ext. 17675
@email

Clinical Engineering Internship Program

Engineering Student Internship

In collaboration with the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), the UOHI Biomedical Engineering Department will train one M.Eng student each year. Students will work closely with their supervisors and the biomedical engineering and clinical teams to define and complete a relevant project at UOHI. In addition, the students are immersed in the Biomedical Engineering Department, allowing them to learn and partake in the critical roles and responsibilities of the team.

Masters Student Projects

Year Student Program/Institution Project
2022 Matricardi, Sophia 3rd year BEng Carleton U Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Focus on Durable LVAD Technology
2022 Hassan, Randa BEng (4th yr) Carleton U Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) Cost-Benefit Analysis, Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Battery Longevity Assessment, Biomedical Devices Active Knowledge Base
2022 Razavi, Aida University of Ottawa, Masters of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Directed Studies in Biomedical Engineering: Medical Technologies and Clinical Observations
1) Remote Support, and
2) Cybersecurity Roadmap

2021

Alcala Orozco, Eduardo University of Ottawa,  Masters of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Directed Studies in Biomedical Engineering:  Medical Technologies and Clinical Observations OHIRC Equipment Management Program
2021 Lavallee, Aaryn Carleton University, 4th Year BEng Femoral Compression Assist Device Procurement
2021 Watkins, Emily Queens University, 4th Year BEng, Bachelor of Applied Science Infusion Pump Distribution and Workflow Improvement

2020-21

D’Souza, Eden

Carleton University, Masters of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering

Development of a Remote Video Monitoring System for Vulnerable Patients at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute

2019 Thompson, Hannah Queens University (2nd yr) Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Biomechanical Sub
CCO Monitor Market Research and OHIRC Laboratory Inventory
2018 Hadj- Moussa, Firdous Carleton University (4th year), BEng, Biomedical Mechanical Engineering VAC Equipment Depot:  Management & Set up
2018 Mayenburg, Jessicaa Carleton University (3rd Year), BEng, Biomedical Mechanical Engineering ACT EPIC Integration
       

2015-

Bruch, Sarah

Carleton University/Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering

Directed Studies in Biomedical Engineering: Medical Technologies and Clinical Observation (co-supervised by A. Chan and T. Zakutney), P/T remuneration (May 1 to Dec. 31, 2016) UOHI

2011-2013

Chaugai, Varsha

Carleton University, Masters in Biomedical Engineering

Thoracic Impedance, (co-supervised by A. Adler, A. Chan, and T. Zakutney)

2010

Zhang, Rachel

University of Toronto, Masters in Health Science

Application development; TEE Probe Utilization; Heart Transplant Organ transport assessment (Leacross Intern)

Programs and Units

The Biomedical Engineering Department is responsible for the following services and activities.

Consultation and Project Management

  • Technology assessment, device specifications, request for proposal (RFP) specification and development, in-servicing, and technology forecasting.
  • Usability and compatibility assessments and workflow analysis.
  • Project management for equipment procurement, deployment and integration with construction and electronic health record projects.
  • Capital budgeting, strategic planning, and negotiation for acquisition.
  • Risk management and adherence to standards and regulations.

Medical Device Management

  • Corrective, preventive, and life cycle maintenance.
  • Incoming safety inspection and quality assurance monitoring.
  • Supervision and management of service agreements.
  • Inventory control, redeployment, and disposal.
  • Monitoring of medical recalls and alerts.

Technology Oversight

  • Policy and procedure development.
  • Training.
  • Failure and incident reporting to the appropriate regulatory bodies and government agencies.

Research

Publications

Our work had been profiled in various publications over the last several years.

  • Ramirez FD, Sadek MM, Boileau I, Cleland M, Nery PB, Nair GM, Redpath CJ, Green MS, Davis DR, Charron K, Henne J, Zakutney T, Beanlands RSB, Hibbert B, Wells GA, Birnie DH. Evaluation of a novel cardioversion intervention for atrial fibrillation: the Ottawa AF cardioversion protocol. Europace. 2019 May 1;21(5):708-715. doi: 10.1093/europace/euy285. PMID: 30535367; PMCID: PMC6479509.
  • Ramirez FD, Sadek MM, Boileau I, Cleland M, Nery PB, Nair GM, Redpath CJ, Green MS, Davis DR, Charron K, Henne J, Zakutney T, Beanlands RSB, Hibbert B, Wells GA, Birnie DH. Evaluation of a novel cardioversion intervention for atrial fibrillation: the Ottawa AF cardioversion protocol. Europace 2018
  • Association between transthoracic impedance and electrical cardioversion success with biphasic defibrillators:  an analysis of 1,055 shocks for atrial fibrillation and flutter. Sadek, M., Caugai, V. Cleland, M., Zakutney, T., Birnie, D., Ramirez, F. Clinical Cardiology, 2018 (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328737/2018/41/5)
  • Co-Supervisor, Evidence –Based Maintenance:  Optimizing the University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s Biomedical Engineering Maintenance Strategy Using Failure Codes:  Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering with Concentration in Clinical Engineering, Sarah Bruch, 2017
  • Implementation of Evidence-Based Maintenance at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute to Optimize Biomedical Engineering Department Maintenance Strategies, Sarah Bruch, B.Eng., E.I.T., Timothy J Zakutney, MHSc, PEng, CCE, Adrian DC Chang, PhD, PEng, 2017 CMBEC40 Conference, Winnipeg, MB  May 23-26, 2017.
  • Effect of applying force to self-adhesive electrodes during electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. F. Daniel Ramirez MD, Sandra L. Fiset BEng, Mark J. Cleland, Timothy J. Zakutney MHSc, Pablo B, Nery MD, Mouhannad M, Sadek MD, Girsh M. Nair MBBS, Calum J. Redpath MBBS PhD, David H. Birnie MBChB MD, 2016.
  • Sudden Power Loss in a HeartMate II Left Venticular Assist Device due to Intermittent Pin Contact with the Battery:   Case Report:   Belway D, Cleland M, Zakutney T, Grenon J, Mielniczuk LM, Hendry PJ. ASAIO J 2013 May –Jun;59(3): 317-19. Doi:  10.1097/MAT. 0b013e318288a3a8
  • Changai V, Zakutney T, Chan ADC, Adler A. Academic Programs in Clinical Engineering in Canada. CMBEC 36/APIBQ 42, May 21-24, 2013.
  • Chaugai V, Adler A, Chan ADC, Zakutney T, Grychtol B. Implementation of Finite Element Method to Examine the Electrical Activity in the Thorax During Cardioversion, Nov 2012.
  • Liddle, Stephanie, Grover, Lata, Zhang, Rachel, Khitrov, Maxim, Brown, Joan, Cobb, J, Goldman, Julian, Chou, Joseph, Yagoda, Daniel, Westover, M Brandon, Reisner, Andrew. (2012). Safety evaluation of a Medical Device Data System. Conference proceedings: ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. 2012. 5899-902. 10.1109/EMBC.2012.6347336. 

Team

 

Critical Care

Santiago Folch, C.Tech, CBET(C)
Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 16404
  • Email: @email  
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Cardiac OR, perfusion and cardiac ICU.

Josh Henne, C.E.T., CBET(C)
Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 13710
  • Email: @email
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Cardiac OR, perfusion, electrophysiology labs, catheterization labs, diagnostic cardiology and patient monitoring.

Jolene Robbins, C.E.T., CBET(C)
Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 16403
  • Email: @email
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Respiratory therapy, cardiac ICU and cardiac OR.

Diagnostic Imaging

Mark Cleland, C.Tech, CBET(C)
Senior Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 13826
  • Email: @email
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Mechanical circulatory support, cardiac diagnostic imaging and defibrillation.

Logan Satkunanathan, B.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Biomedical Engineer

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 15075
  • Email: @email
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Cardiac diagnostic imaging, nuclear imaging and Cyclotron.

Hugo Nolasco, B.Eng., C.E,T. 
Radiochemistry/Cyclotron, Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 19100
  • Email: @email
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Radiochemistry, Cyclotron, Research equipment management.

Patient Care

Mohammed Mohd, C.E.T., CBET(C)
Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 19047
  • Email: @email
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Electrophysiology labs, catheterization labs, respiratory therapy, ultrasound, and pacemaker clinic.

Sarah Deschamps, C.E.T., CBET(C)
Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 16407
  • Email: @email
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Catheterization labs, electrophysiology labs, clinical services and cardiac ICU.

Aiswarya Alungal Girisan, C.E.T.
Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 15076
  • Email: @email
  • Areas of expertise: Clinical services, Prevention and Rehabilitation.

OHIRC Equipment Management 

Seran McIntyre
Biomedical Engineering Technologist

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext.
  • Email: @email
  • Equipment areas of expertise: Research Equipment management including corrective and preventive maintenance, equipment procurement, and service contract management.

Steph Liddle, M.H.Sc., P.Eng., CCE
Manager (Maternity Leave)

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 16773
  • Email: @email
  • Areas of expertise: Medical device integration, medical facility construction and service management.

Gaëtanne Heggie, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., CCE
Acting Manager/Sr. Clinical Engineer

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 17675
  • Email: @email
  • Areas of expertise: Clinical system administration, medical device procurement and implementation and project management.

Hannah Thomson, B.Eng.
Project Coordinator

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 14426
  • Email: @email
  • Areas of expertise: Evaluation of new technology, technical support for planning and installation, and coordination of special projects.

Lisa Bradley
Administrative Coordinator

  • Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 16773
  • Email: @email