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Updated: Jun 3, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Rapid Prototyping and Testing of Self-Expanding Nitinol Frames for Transcatheter Implantable Devices
Published on: March 7, 2025
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A self-expandable nitinol frame for cable-driven parallel mechanisms in minimally invasive cardiovascular
Sina Mohammadmahdi Keshavarz1, Mohammad Khoobani1, Rene Gilliland-Rocque1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|January 12, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a miniaturized self-expandable nitinol frame for improved catheter navigation in cardiovascular interventions. The design enhances steerability and control within complex vasculature, offering a feasible solution for minimally invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Minimally invasive cardiovascular interventions require advanced tools for precise navigation.
- Existing catheter systems face challenges in steerability and control within complex vascular anatomies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, fabricate, and verify a miniaturized self-expandable nitinol frame.
- To enhance catheter tip steerability and navigation accuracy in cardiovascular procedures.
Main Methods:
- Iterative design and parametric studies for frame optimization.
- Finite element simulations and benchtop experiments for verification.
- Testing included crimping, deflection, radial force, and friction analysis.
Main Results:
- Nitinol frame stresses remained below yield stress during crimping.
- Minimal frame deflection (<0.45 mm) ensured precise catheter tip control.
- Balanced radial forces (<6 N) prevented migration without vessel damage, and friction was reduced.
Conclusions:
- The miniaturized nitinol frame design is feasible for cardiovascular interventions.
- The frame enhances catheter steerability and navigation in complex vascular anatomies.
- The design offers robust vessel anchoring and precise tip control.
