Additive Manufacturing Method for Smart Surgical Needles

Abstract

This project aims to develop advanced manufacturing method that is suitable to integrate actuating and/or sensing elements to surgical devices, which will enable in-situ monitoring and active control of such medical devices. Specifically, this work focuses on surgical needles containing Nitinol shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The objectives are: 1) Design and manufacturing SMA-containing needles; 2) Characterization of mechanical response of smart needles; and 3) Development and evaluation of scale-up manufacturing methods. It is expected that successful completion of this project will demonstrate the functionality of smart needles, and find a pathway towards development of design and manufacturing method(s) suitable for commercial production.