Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of Medical Devices and Implants
Veryst
offers unique expertise in advanced finite element analysis (FEA) of
medical devices and implants. We use a combination of commercial
finite element codes (SIMULIA Abaqus, COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS) supplemented by
proprietary material models for thermosets, thermoplastics, elastomers,
and foams (PolyUMod). Our proprietary models provide both greater accuracy and insight than
is possible with commercial codes alone. Clients have used our
analyses from early stage concept development through regulatory
submissions (FDA 510k and PMA and CE Mark).
Veryst’s
world-leading capabilities in design, testing, manufacturing and
failure analysis also make us uniquely suited to investigate the
failure of medical devices during development or post-production
failure and root cause analysis.
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Implants
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Vascular Implants
Veryst’s
material modeling and FEA capabilities are used in the design and
development of vascular implant systems, such as cardiovascular stents,
valves and grafts. Our advanced capabilities provide valuable
information allowing for the optimization of designs early in the design
process. With our unique material modeling capabilities in our PolyUMod software library, Veryst is well-equipped to consider important advanced material behaviors, such as:
• Nonlinear viscoplasticity
• Shape-memory material behavior
• Material anisotropy due to manufacturing processes
• Effects of fatigue due to pulsatile loading
• Time-dependent material degradation of absorbable materials
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Cardiovascular Stent Simulation
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Orthopedic Implants
Veryst’s
FEA capabilities are used in the design of orthopedic implants, such
as hip and knee joint replacements. Advanced material models for
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) developed by
engineers at Veryst, are used to analyze important load-bearing
components and accurately evaluate the performance of new designs.
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Total Knee Replacement Simulation
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Spinal Implants
Our
FE analyses are applicable in the design and failure investigation of
spinal implant systems, including spinal fixation systems and advanced
artificial disc or disc repair systems.
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Spinal Cross-Section
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Advanced Biomaterials
Veryst’s advanced FE capabilities make us uniquely suited to assist in the development of advanced biomaterials, including:
• Synthetic and natural scaffold materials for tissue generation and wound healing applications
• Advanced medical adhesives and cements
• Materials for absorbable medical fasteners (sutures, screws, plates etc.)
Veryst’s proprietary PolyUMod software library enables simulations beyond the reach of those using commercial finite element codes.
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Stress-strain behavior of Polylactic Acid (PLA)
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Class II Devices
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Veryst has supported medical devices companies in the design, failure
analysis, and regulatory submission of numerous Class II devices,
including:
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Catheters
Catheters kink when
passed around corners or tight radii within the body. Veryst’s FE
analysis expertise has been used to complement a test program to
investigate the factors contributing to catheter kinking.
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FEA of Catheter Kinking
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Patient Lifts and Supports
Veryst uses its analysis capabilities to investigate the design and reliability of patient lift and support systems. Veryst uses finite element analysis to assist in the design of critical components, frequently of systems comprising a wide variety of engineering materials, including steel, aluminum, polymers and composites.
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Analysis of a Patient Support System
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Medical Devices Incorporating Fluid Flow
Veryst uses its multi-physics analysis capabilities to analyze combined thermal-fluid devices such as the gas humidification devices used with insufflation equipment.
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Multiphysics Modeling of a
Gas Humidification System
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