Developing a Wearable Device to Deliver Preferential Cooling to the Brain

Biomedical Engineering

Meaghan D’Arcy, Andy Ma

Abstract

Our applied project focuses on the development of an affordable, portable wearable device that delivers targeted brain cooling as a neuroprotective therapy for conditions such as cardiac arrest and stroke, while minimizing the complications associated with whole-body hypothermia.

We integrated COMSOL simulations with physical prototyping to model heat transfer using Peltier elements positioned at key regions, including the forehead and temples. The prototype system, powered by two mobile power banks driving four Peltier modules, demonstrated that localized cooling can effectively reduce cortical temperature to clinically meaningful levels.

Video

Faculty mentor

Portrait of Vincent Pizziconi

Vincent Pizziconi

Associate Professor

School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

[email protected]