Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Development of Magnesium Alloy Scaffolds
to Support Biological Myocardial Grafts:
A Finite Element Investigation
Martin Weidling, Silke Besdo, Tobias Schilling, Michael Bauer,
Thomas Hassel, Friedrich-Wilhelm Bach, Hans Jürgen Maier,
Jacques Lamon, Axel Haverich and Peter Wriggers
Abstract
Lesioned myocardial tissue can be replaced with innovative biological
grafts. However, the strength of most biological grafts is initially not sufficient for
left ventricular applications. Implants that mechanically support these grafts and
gradually lose their function as the graft develops its strength are a possible solution.
We are developing magnesium alloy scaffolds for this purpose. The finite element
method was used to perform simulations wherein scaffolds are deformed according
to the heart movement. This allows us to identify highly stressed regions within
