The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is celebrating Valentine’s Day early this month by expanding its mechanical engineering research starting with the heart.

When you step onto a plan or sit down in the front seat of your car you trust the mechanics to get you where you need to go. Wouldn’t you like that same send of security when you’re laying down on a operating table scheduled for heart surgery? Here at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette the Cajun Artificial Heart Lab is doing that for patients with 3D printings of anatomical models.

Dr. Charles Taylor is an assistant mechanical engineering professor. The research tests the safety and effectiveness of biomedical devices before they are used on patients.

“Our laboratory is adapting methodologies from the automotive and aerospace industry.” said Dr. Taylor

Currently the lab has the ability to create 3D models, allowing students to build artificial heart systems. He says the lab creates new opportunities for students.

“Biomedical engineering provides a new avenue, for those students to strive towards other markets that we haven’t tapped yet.” said Dr. Taylor

Dr. Taylor says the 3D models allow hands on research that could improve todays devices.

Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the U.S.

“My doctorate student is a veteran of the Marine Corp. We also have another individual here that is an Army veteran, both of these individuals see the need for medical devices, not only for the services but for the greater population.” said Dr. Taylor

Dr. Taylor says this research may not put him on the cover of Time Magazine but the future it promises is why he cares.

“Every family has a member who has suffered from heart failure or some sort of cardiovascular disease. My family has certainly been touched in that way. So this research has a profound impact, not only from the quality of care I would like my close family and friends to receive in the future, but to ensure those devices perform adequately .” said Dr. Taylor