Project Description
My name is Simon, and I joined the BIOMEND Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial Doctorate Network in June 2025. My PhD project focuses on the preclinical validation of large-scale bioabsorbable endovascular medical devices (EMDs) using advanced in vivo imaging techniques. I evaluate devices developed by other DCs and contribute to the planning and execution of large animal studies, with a particular emphasis on translational relevance.
I am based at Maastricht University and collaborate closely with the medical technology start-up medical magnesium. Before joining BIOMEND, I completed a Master’s degree in Medical Engineering at FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, where I gained research experience in protein-based medical technologies at Fibrothelium GmbH and clinical exposure through a one-year hospital internship in surgery, trauma surgery, and vascular surgery. BIOMEND allows me to work at the interface of engineering research and clinical application, which strongly motivates my work.
Main objectives of my PhD project:
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Plan and conduct early and acute functional performance studies of selected EMDs in large animal models
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Develop and apply in vivo imaging techniques (e.g. angiography, IVUS, µCT) to assess device performance and degradation
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Monitor and quantify in vivo degradation behaviour of bioabsorbable alloy-based EMDs
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Plan and conduct long-term mini-pig studies for preclinical validation of EMD prototype
Recruiting partner
MERLN, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
PhD enrollment
MERLN, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
Secondment host
Medical Magnesium, Aachen, Germany
Lead Supervisors
Prof. Dr. Martijn van Griensven (Maastricht)
Dr. Jan Marten Seitz (Medical Magnesium)
