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.
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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 December 1 and January 31 for next year's placements.
Leacross Projects
| Year | Student | Institution | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | Kovacova, Veronika | Carleton University (4th Year), BEng, Biomedical and Electrical Engineering | Target Controlled Infusion Pumps – market research |
2025
| Malak, Youssfi | University of Ottawa (3rd Year), BASc, Biomedical Mechanical Engineering | TEE probes reprocessing – repatriation planning |
2024 | Graf, Amanda | Centennial College | Biomedical Technologist Internship |
2024 | Lewis, Jasmine | McMaster University (4th Year), BEng, Biomedical and Electrical Engineering | 3D printed modifications for medical equipment |
2024 | Bora, Anushka | Carleton University (3rd Year), BEng, Biomedical and Electrical Engineering | Electrophysiology (EP) Lab project: to understand and document how system setups vary across different procedures and physicians |
| 2023 | Rudderham, Emily | University of Ottawa (4th Year), BASc, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering and Computer Technology | Improving Bed Repair Turn Around Time through Parts Management |
| 2023 | Grenier, Sarah | Carleton University (4th Year), BEng, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering | New Blood Gas Analyzer Deployment |
| 2022 | Matricardi, Sophia | Carleton University (3rd Year), BEng, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Focus on Durable LVAD Technology |
| 2022 | Hassan, Randa | Carleton University (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), BASc, 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), BASc, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering | Biomedical Device Training Resources |
2016 | Ng, Becky | Carleton University (3rd Year), BEng, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering | Creating Compatibility Between the PB 980 Ventilator and the VMax Encore 29 Metabolic Measurement Instrument |
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), BEng, Biomedical and Electrical Engineering | Premature Loss of Capacity in Sealed Lead Acid Batteries and the Importance of Routine Testing |
2014 | Kah, Anna | Carleton University (3rd Year), BEng, Biomedical and Electrical Engineering | Metabolic Measures for Nutritional Assessment of the Critical Care patient |
2014 | Fiset, Sandra | Carleton University (4th Year), BEng, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering | Transthoracic Impedance |
2013 | Bruch, Sarah | Carleton University (3rd Year), BEng, Biomedical and Electrical Engineering | Clinical Engineering |
2013 | Reiche, Brittany | University of Guelph (3rd Year), BEng, Biomedical Engineering | Clinical Engineering |
2011 | Baykova, Aleksandra | Carleton University (4th Year), BEng | Clinical Engineering |
2010 | Zhang, Rachel | University of Toronto, MHSc Candidate | Application development, TEE probe utilization, heart transplant organ transport assessment |
Contact
Stephanie Liddle, MHSc., P.Eng., CCE
Director, Biomedical Engineering
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
40 Ruskin Street, ON Canada K1Y 4W7
613-696-7000 ext. 19625
@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.
Master's Student Projects
| Year | Student | Program/Institution | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Rasooli, Tannaz | University of Ottawa, Master of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering with concentration in Clinical Engineering | RTLS for Hospital Asset Management: A Cost-Benefit Analysis and Implementation Strategy |
2023 | Jotheeswaran, Jagadeeswaran Balasundaram | University of Ottawa Master of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering | Medication Cart Replacement and Process Improvement |
2022 | Razavi, Aida | University of Ottawa, Master 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, Master of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Directed Studies in Biomedical Engineering: Medical Technologies and Clinical Observations | OHIRC Equipment Management Program |
2020-21 | D’Souza, Eden | Carleton University, Master of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering | Development of a Remote Video Monitoring System for Vulnerable Patients at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute |
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 |
2011-13 | Chaugai, Varsha | Carleton University, master's in biomedical engineering | Thoracic Impedance, (co-supervised by A. Adler, A. Chan, and T. Zakutney) |
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.
Amanda Graf
Biomedical Engineering Technologist
- Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 14872
- Email: @email
- Equipment areas of expertise: Cardiac OR, perfusion, cardiac ICU, and patient monitoring.
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.
Thomas Burke
Biomedical Engineering Technologist
- Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 14871
- Email: @email
- Areas of expertise: Clinical services
OHIRC Equipment Management
Janine Sornillo
Biomedical Engineering Technologist
- Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 19104
- Email: @email
- Equipment areas of expertise: Research Equipment management including corrective and preventive maintenance, equipment procurement, and service contract management.
Administration
Steph Liddle, M.H.Sc., P.Eng., CCE
Director
- Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 19625
- Email: @email
- Areas of expertise: Medical device integration, medical facility construction and service management.
Gaëtanne Heggie, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., CCE
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.
Naga Sugatri Apparaju
Administrative Coordinator
- Telephone: 613-696-7000 ext. 16773
- Email: @email