Medical imaging provides important data on various body structures for diagnostic reasons. This data is now being used to obtain geometric information of body structures in 3D models, which can be analyzed through FEA techniques for the design of various products like coronary stents, pacemakers and orthopedic/dental implants. For device manufacturers there is a common goal, to introduce improved and safer products before the competition does while conforming to FDA standards. The NISA product line has been helping the medical industry for the last two decades in designing and analyzing many breakthrough products which can improve quality of life for many people.

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Structural analysis of leaflet for mechanical heart valve

Objective:

A heart valve manufacturer in the USA needed a come-up with an optimally designed heart valve.

The most important component of a heart valve is a leaflet which regulates the flow of blood. The leaflet is hinged at the broad-end to the inside of the cylinder which sits inside the artery. Since it is a mechanical heart valve working without an external power source it is important to design the leaflet to reduce drag and mechanical losses at the hinges.

Methodology:

Finite element models were generated using parametric method to allow easy modification of the design parameters for optimal design. The profile of the leaflet was generated using ‘computational fluid dynamics’ to reduce drag. Several different mounting methods were studied to arrive at the optimal hinge mechanism. The manufacturer was able to launch a unique valve into the market in record time.

Flow analysis of medicine in an inhaler

For medical device manufacturers there is a common goal: to introduce improved and safer products before competition does while conforming to FDA standards. A leading pharmaceutical company needed to manufacture a medicinal inhaler in which medicine wastage would be negligible and delivery into the mouth would be highly efficient. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried out to accomplish this.

FE modeling of lower jaw

For medical device manufacturers there is a common goal: to introduce improved and safer products before competition does while conforming to FDA standards. A dental implant manufacturer needed to determine forces on a lower jaw bone during various chewing conditions. Stress analysis was conducted for various service conditions.

Nonlinear stress analysis and life estimation of a coronary stent

For medical device manufacturers there is a common goal: to introduce improved and safer products before competition does while conforming to FDA standards. A coronary stent manufacturer needed to determine the durability of the stent. Stress and fatigue analysis was conducted for various service conditions.

Structural analysis of a tooth subjected to orthodontic wire stress

For medical device manufacturers there is a common goal: to introduce improved and safer products before competition does while conforming to FDA standards. A medical university orthodontic department needed to study the effect of a wire and bracket on a canine tooth. Stress analysis revealed the stress distribution in the tooth and safe handling stress.