Session: SYMP 4-4: Human Integrated Smart Systems

Paper Number: 149922

149922 - Existing Challenges and Factors to Consider in the Development of SMA Implantable Medical Devices 

Shape memory alloy implantable medical devices have significantly changed the landscape of medical treatment by enabling minimally invasive surgery to treat various disease states. The quest to reach a broader patient population or use of these devices in complex disease states/procedures has brought about new technical challenges that need to be addressed. Within the realm of material properties, device design and boundary conditions, we will discuss current challenges the industry faces and how experimental, modeling and imaging tools are utilized to address these challenges. We will then explore opportunities available for next generation SMA implantable devices.

Presenting Author: Parikshith Kumar

Presenting Author Biography: Parikshith Kumar got his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 2009 and has worked extensively with shape memory alloys for the actuator industry from 2001-2012. Since 2012 he transitioned to the medical products division at W. L Gore and Associates as a Metallurgical associate on the Metals platform. His work involves front end research to develop new material and processes and has been recognized by new product development teams for his effort in the launch of several life saving devices in the company's portfolio. His areas of focus include, microstructure-mechanical property relationship, fatigue and corrosion behavior of SMAs. He has also been serving as an SMST board member for the past 7 years and is the conference chair for SMST 2024.