Researching sources of error in the context of industrial braiding with focus on the stent production

Context

Coronary heart diseases (CHD), which include heart attacks, are currently the most common cause of death in Germany. These diseases can be treated by implanting a cardiovascular implant (stent) in the affected vessel. Therefore, stents are categorized as medical devices and must meet appropriate quality criteria. At the same time, personalization, i.e. the production of a stent, which is fitted to a specific patient, is the exception. If such personalization takes place, the affected vessel is measured by means of imaging (e.g. CT and MRI). Then, the stent is designed using a simulation of its geometry as well as the measured vessel. Subsequently, the stent is produced, e.g. by means of braiding. The designed geometry must be adhered to as precisely as possible. In the worst case, a not suitable one could lead to one or more thromboses or a rupture of the vessel. Therefore, in the context of this thesis, sources of errors during the industrial braiding of stents should be researched. Additionally, the impact of the errors regarding the structure of the stent should be analyzed.

Goals

Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to give an overview of possible sources of errors in the field of industrial braiding of stents, as well as related areas. Further, the effect of the errors on the stent’s geometry are to be analyzed.

Requirements

• Structured and analytical approach
• German and English business fluent in word and writing