Koen Matthys

Brief Biography

Dr Matthys obtained a BSc and MSc in Electromechanical Engineering from Ghent University, Belgium in 1999. He then joined the Institute of Biomedical Technology (IBiTech) of Ghent University where he completed a PhD in 2004. Following a year as consultant in Italy, he moved to London to join the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College in 2005. At Imperial, he conducted post-doctoral research in physiological flow modelling with the Bioflow group and resin flow modelling with the Composites Centre. Through involvement in UK and EU industrial-academic consortia, Dr Matthys became exposed to a diverse range of industrial engineering challenges. As a result, he developed a strong interest in the real-life design implications of his research modelling work, in particular for devices in healh care and environmental sustainable mobility. Soon, he was offered a Lecturer position in the School of Engineering and Design at Brunel University in 2007. Dr Matthys is now both a researcher and a designer, primarily active in biomedical, motorsport and aerospace applications. Since 1999, Dr. Matthys has built up a strong track record, while working closely with industrial, clinical and academic partners. He has been a visiting scholar in several research institutions and centres of excellence around the world including the Center for Composite Materials at the University of Delaware, the University of New South Wales in Sydney and Queensland University in Brisbane, Australia. He was recently awarded a JSPS fellowship to work for one year alongside collaborators from Osaka University in Japan. 

Teaching and Administration

Dr Matthys is module leader for Mechanical Laboratories (ME1333) and Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (ME2303/ME2310) at undergraduate level, while lecturing on specialist modules such as Biomechanics and Biomaterials (ME5525) at postgraduate level. He is a member of the University Research and Ethics Committee and the lead responsible for the University Human Tissue Licence. He is involved with the running of the biosurgical and biofluid mechanics labs, short courses and seminars. He is also supervisor for projects on low carbon vehicle design and zero-emission racing. He is team manager of Brunel X, an electric superbike racing team.

Research and Design

Dr Matthys targets innovation in medical devices and eco design. His medical research focuses on the modelling of physiological flow systems, aiming to advance surgical planning, procedures, and the design of surgical tools and implantable devices. His activities in eco design and manufacturing comprise the modelling of composites manufacturing in aerospace applications and the development of high performance low carbon transport vehicles. A first prototype of an electric superbike, the BX-09, was designed and built recently. The BX-09 participated in the world's first carbon free Grand Prix at the Isle of Man TTXGP event on 12 June 2009. More info can be found at www.egrandprix.com. 

Selected Publications 

1. M. Gascons, N. Blanco and K. S. Matthys. Mechanical and Manufacturing optimization of a large vessel through simulation. In Texcomp 9, International conference on textile composites. 2008. Newark, DE.
2. M. Gascons, N. Blanco and K. S. Matthys. Optimization of flexible mould behaviour in a large vessel manufacturing process. In 6th International Conference on Manufacturing Research (ICMR08). 2008 London, UK.
3. M. Gascons, N. Blanco and K. S. Matthys. Optimization of flexible mould behavior on large vessels manufacturing process. In 13th US-Japan Conference on Composite Materials. 2008. Tokyo, Japan.
4. A. Endruweit, K. S. Matthys, J. Peiro, A.C. Long The effect of differential compression on the in-plane permeability tensor of heterogeneous multi-layer carbon fibre performs. Plastics, Rubber and Composites: Macromolecular Engineering, 2008. In press.
5. K. S. Matthys, A. F. Kalmar, M.M.R.F. Struys, E. P. Mortier, A. P. Avolio, P. Segers, P.R. Verdonck, Long-term pressure monitoring with arterial applanation tonometry: a non-invasive alternative during clinical intervention? Technology and Health Care, 2008. 16(3): p. 183-193.
6. K. S. Matthys, J. Alastruey, J. Peiro, A. W. Khir, P. Segers, P.R. Verdonck, K.H. Parker and S.J. Sherwin, Comparison of a non-linear, one-dimensional numerical model with an in-vitro model of the human arterial system. J Biomech, 2007. 40 pp. 3476-86.
7. K. S. Matthys, J. Alastruey-Arimon, K. H. Parker, A. W. Khir, P. Segers, P. R. Verdonck, J. Peiró and S. J. Sherwin. An experimental arterial network model as validation of a 1D time-space numerical flow model. in 5th World Congress of Biomechanics. 2006. Munich, Germany: J Biomech, Vol. 39 Suppl 1, p S431.
8. T. E. Claessens, P. L. Van Herck, K. S. Matthys, P. Segers, C. J. Vrints and P. R. Verdonck, Influence of Zero-Flow Pressure on Fractional Flow Reserve. Biomechan Model Mechanobiol, 2004. 3(1): p. 48-55
9. B. A. Haluska, K. S. Matthys, R. Fathi, E. Rozis, S. G. Carlier and T. H. Marwick, Influence of arterial compliance on presence and extent of ischaemia during stress echocardiography. Heart, 2006. 92: p. 40-43.
10. B. A. Haluska, K. S. Matthys, L. Jeffries, R. B. Fathi and S. C. Carlier. Influence of total arterial compliance on extent of ischemia during Dobutamine stress echocardiography. in AHA 77th Scientific Sessions. 2004. New Orleans, LA, USA: Circulation (Suppl).
11. K. S. Matthys, P. Segers, D. Vanhercke, S. G. Carlier and P. R. Verdonck. Hemolab: a custom built diagnostic tool for non-invasive, synchronized recording and real-time monitoring of a Doppler spectrogram, an electrocardiogram and arterial tonometry. in 25th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC 2003). 2003. Cancún, Mexico: IEEE.
12. D. Vanhercke and K. S. Matthys, Le lit vasculaire artériel: un nouveau terrain d'exploration pour le cardiologue? (The arterial vessel network: a novel terrain of exploration for the cardiologist?). Journal de Cardiologie, 2003. année 15(n° 2): p. 39-43.
13. K. S. Matthys, D. Vanhercke, S. Van Aken, K. De Groote, I. Coomans and P. Verdonck. Non-invasive assessment of hemodynamics in adolescents with arterial tonometry and Doppler ultrasound during a conventional stress test. in Computers in Cardiology. 2002. Memphis, TN: IEEE, Piscataway, NJ.
14. K. S. Matthys and P. R. Verdonck, Development and modelling of arterial applanation tonometry: a review. Technology and Health Care, 2002. 10(1): p. 65-76.
15. B. A. Haluska, K. S. Matthys, R. Leano, S. G. Carlier and T. H. Marwick. Total arterial compliance as a predictor of ischemia at stress echocardiography. in XIVth World Congress of Cardiology. 2002. Sydney, NSW, Australia: JACC.
16. K. S. Matthys, P. Segers, H. Verhaaren and P. Verdonck. Non-invasive analysis of haemodynamics in adolescents at rest and during exercise. in ESEM. 2001. Belfast: Technology and Health Care.
17. K. S. Matthys, S. Carlier, P. Segers, J. Ligthart, G. Sianos, P. Serrano, P. Verdonck and P. Serruys. In vitro study of fractional flow reserve, quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound for the assessment of optimal stent deployment. in XXVIème Congrès de la Société de Biomécanique. 2001. Marseille: Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry.
18. K. S. Matthys, S. Carlier, P. Segers, J. Ligthart, G. Sianos, P. Serrano, P. R. Verdonck and P. Serruys, In vitro study of FFR, QCA and IVUS for the assessment of optimal stent deployment. Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions, 2001. 54: p. 363-375.
19. P. Segers, S. Carlier, K. S. Matthys, J. Ligthart, G. Sianos, P. Serrano, P. R. Verdonck and P. W. Serruys. In vitro study of FFR, QCA and IVUS for the assessment of optimal stent deployment. in AHA 73rd Scientific Sessions. 2000. New Orleans, LA, USA: Circulation (Suppl).