Shape Memory Polymers
Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) Technology
- Utilizes structural “memory” to change internal characteristics when heated
- Polymer will be composed of Polyurethane and Iron Oxide particles
- Iron Oxide particles allow for inductive heating with an alternating magnetic field (AMF)
- use of an AMF provides remote heating for an internal prosthesis
- Heating/Deformation Cycle
- Polymer is fabricated to fit within device
- Polymer is heated above the glass transition temperature (Tg) and is deformed to increase the diameter of the prosthesis
- Polymer is cooled and the device stays in the widened state
- Polymer is inductively heated to Tg and displays elastic material characteristics, allowing for the device to decrease in width