Engineering Emotions: Matters of the Heart

Embarking on a journey of innovation and discovery, Associate Professor Roche from MIT's Institute for Medical Engineering and Science reflects on her early experiences in the medical device industry. During her placement, she delved into the realm of cardiovascular implants, a field that captured her passion and curiosity. Roche emphasizes the profound impact of witnessing the intricate process that transforms a technological concept into a reliable device ready for human implantation.

Graduate school opened doors for Roche to explore further opportunities in the industry. Her path led her to Mednova Ltd. in Galway and later to Abbott Vascular in California, where she initially intended to stay for six months but ended up extending her tenure to three and a half years. At these companies, Roche contributed to projects such as developing a carotid artery filter to prevent strokes during stent implantation and exploring drug-coated stents to prevent artery occlusion.

With tenure secured at MIT in July 2023, Roche now leads the Therapeutic Technology Design and Development Lab. This innovative lab integrates soft robotics, advanced fabrication techniques, and computational tools to create cutting-edge devices aimed at healing the heart, lungs, and other tissues. The devices designed by Roche's team range from soft robotic ventilators for implantation to 3D-printed replicas of patients' hearts for research and testing purposes.

Roche is a strong advocate for collaboration and adaptability among her students, urging them to seek industry experiences while pursuing their education. She emphasizes the importance of seizing valuable opportunities, working alongside like-minded individuals, and maintaining a strong work ethic while remaining open to readjustments when necessary.

Reflecting on the multifaceted nature of the medical device industry, Roche highlights the myriad challenges involved in bringing a device to fruition, from regulatory submissions and quality control to clinical studies and distribution. Despite the complexities, she finds the process immensely rewarding, underscoring the collective effort of diverse teams with varied skills required to advance a device to its first-in-human studies.