Project Description
My name is Alessandra and I am a passionate explorer of cutting-edge technologies for aneurysm treatment.I hold a Master’s in Regenerative Medicine and Technology from Universiteit Utrecht and am currently working on the BIOMEND project, where I am developing bioabsorbable flow diverter stents to improve the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
I am designing wire-braided stents using Mg and Zn alloy wires, with the potential integration of non-absorbable alloys (NiTi) to fine-tune mechanical performance.By optimizing key parameters such as braid angle, wire thickness, and mesh density, this project aims to create a device that effectively modulates blood flow while ensuring controlled degradation.
Key objectives of this project include:
- Establish a Design I/O matrix and evaluate wire-braided flow diverter stent concepts
- Produce early-stage prototypes to assess degradation kinetics
- Optimize and verify stent performance according to ISO 25539-2
- Evaluating radial force, bending behaviour, crush resistance, and crimpability in a neurovasculature model
- Manufacture late-stage prototypes using wires <0.1 mm in diameter for preclinical (animal) testing
I am excited to collaborate with Fibrothelium GmbH and BioTex (RWTH Aachen University) to push the boundaries of bioabsorbable stent technology. Innovation is translating scientific advancements into real-world clinical solutions, and I will contribute to the next generation of neurovascular implants.
Recruiting partner
Fibrothelium GmbH, Aachen, Germany
PhD enrollment
BioTex – Biohybrid & Medical Textiles, Aachen, Germany
Secondment host
BioTex – Biohybrid & Medical Textiles, Aachen, Germany
Lead Supervisors
Dr. Ing. Alexander Kopp (Fibrothelium)
Prof. Dr. Stefan Jockenhoevel (BioTex – Biohybrid & Medical Textiles)
