Jessica Tang

Research Interests

Transvascular Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Diaphragm Pacing

My research focus was modeling the properties of tissue and electrodes, so that we might accurately predict the effectiveness of transvascular electrical stimulation. The human body contains many different types of tissue, all of which have differing electrical properties; any electrical stimulation within the body must therefore take these properties into account. By looking at various electrode configurations and designs and their placement within the body, we can determine the optimal stimulation parameters for efficient and selective stimulation of the phrenic nerve. It was anticipated that the results of this model would have an impact on the overall system design, including power requirements and selective patient control. By generating both a numerical and graphical model in two different environments, the results were more representative of what we expected to see during transvascular stimulation in acute pigs.

This reseach constituted Jessica's Undergraduate Honours Thesis for the School of Engineering Science. It is now used in papers and presentations pertaining to this ongoing project.

Current Funding

Minimally Invasive Nerve Stimulation Electrode. NSERC I2I (Idea-to-Innovation) prototype development/proof of concept grant.