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Design of Biomedical Devices
Application of Advanced Computational Analysis
Researchers at the Silicon Valley office of ARA have applied advanced computational codes to improve the design of a range of biomedical devices. Analysis methods applied to the design of biomedical devices include both advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and nonlinear finite element analyses for analysis of component stresses and strains. Applications range from the analyses of the stress and strain in the formation and implementation of stents and grafts to the analysis of blood flow through medical devices.
Our focus is to provide our clients with design solutions as part of their product development process. Below are some of our success stories.
Design of Blood Handling Devices. CFD is an effective tool for the complex design problem of blood pumps. We first solved a complete blood pump design analysis for our client to demonstrate the use of CFD in design. We also developed a software module to predict the blood damage, an important design criteria. We then assisted the client in developing a continuing in-house CFD design capability combining both software and hardware.
Design of Stents and Grafts. The design process for stents typically involves conflicting requirements. Optimum design requires balancing several factors including radial support stiffness, compaction diameter, and structural strength. Researchers at the Silicon Valley office of ARA are developing finite element analysis software that can be used by engineers to predict the performance of stent designs.
Blood Pump Design Optimization. Computational tools can be used to optimize performance in blood pumps. We are using advanced CFD codes to calculate the flow of blood through pumps combined with blood damage models to predict hemolysis. The resulting tools can be used to evaluate and optimize a blood pump to both minimize blood damage and optimize pump performance.
For inquiries or comments, please contact:
Dr. Steven Kirkpatrick
Principal Engineer
e-mail: skirkpatrick@ara.com
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