Comparison of the Behaviour of Product Specific Parameters for a Nitinol Heart Valve Frame Produced with Two Different Kinds of Standard Shape Set Processing: Fluidized Bed vs. Liquid Salt Bath

Tuesday, May 19, 2015: 10:55 AM
Conference Theater (Crowne Plaza)
Mr. Chris Bräuner , ADMEDES Schuessler GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany
Dr. Andreas Schuessler , ADMEDES SCHUESSLER GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany
Dr. Markus Wohlschlögel , ADMEDES Schuessler GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany
Shape setting of Nitinol can be seen as one of the crucial processes to set product specific parameters for most laser-cut Nitinol medical devices. Technical advancements have generated two major processes, which represent the current industry standard: Fluidized Bed and Liquid Salt Bath. 

The interaction between heating media, shape set tooling and product as well as time and temperature applied are the main drivers during shape setting for the manipulation of product specific parameters.

In this study product specific parameters of a generic heart valve frame produced with the named standard shape set processes are going to be investigated: Chronic Outward Force (COF), Radial Resistive Force (RRF), Austenite Finish Temperature (Af) and Outer Diameter of Heart Valve Frame (Recoil). Heating rates and process variances (hollow vs. solid mandrels, batch vs. single loading) are also part of this study.

Product parameters test results are correlated to the various shape set processes and discussed in the context of parameter centering and their deviation.

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