Refining development of
device using shape
memory polymer foams
to non-surgically treat
aneurysms.
 Developed research at
Lawrence Livermore.
 Chose Texas A&M
Institute for Preclinical
Studies (TIPS) because of
facilities.
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Large animal research
facility, founded 2007,
 Supports research in
medical device
development.
 Trains students in
engineering, science and
veterinary medicine.
 Facilitates preclinical
testing.
 1 of 7 labs in the country
conducting this research.
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Aneurysms are abnormal
widening or ballooning of
blood vessels.
Prevalent in 5% of the U.S.
population.
Not life threatening unless it
begins pressing on the brain
or ruptures.
30,000 people die or suffer
neurological damage from
rupture. (Stroke or
subarachnoid hemorrhage)
Pre-existing conditions
include hypertension,
atherosclerosis, head trauma
and birth defects.
•Micro-vascular Clipping
(1937)
• Completely close off with
a metal clip to prevent
bleeding or rupture
• protecting nearby brain
tissue from damage.
•Risks:
-anesthesia
-cut into skull
Embolic Coiling, (1990’s )

SMP’s are
polymers that
remember their
shape.

Can be
compressed
drastically and still
retain original
shape when
acted upon by
stimulus.
• Polymer foam inserted
through catheter in its
compressed form.
• Laser light beam is shone
through an optical fiber in
the catheter.
• Laser hits the SMP cylinder
which expands and plugs
the aneurysm as it returns to
its original ball shape.
SMP Deformation Process
Cool below
glass transition
and Unload
Deform at
High Temperature
(above glass
transition temp)
Deform
A
Permanent
Shape at
High Temp
Shape Recovery
Shape Fixity
Cool
B
Heat above glass
transition
Unload
B
Temporary
Shape at
Low Temp
Heat
B
A
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Shaped for faster and more complete
occlusion of the aneurysm.
Lower and more uniform stresses to the
aneurysm wall, thereby decreasing the risk of
hemorrhage.
Faster healing time due to structure of foam.

To become familiar with the tools and
techniques used in developing a shape
memory polymer (SMP) foam plug device for
the treatment of cerebral aneurysms from
research implementation studies to
completed device by modeling the research
activities conducted in the biomedical
device lab.
Develop 3-D model of an aneurysm.
 Create various SMP’s and investigate
their properties.
 Develop model of SMP foam device.
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Acrylic SMP
Dip coating brass rods for stents
Creating 3-D model of aneurysm
from MRI to design SMP foam
device.
To become familiar with shape memory
polymers and other biomaterials their use
in medicine and industry.
 Incorporate engineering concepts into
my biology curriculum.
 Relate the real world applications of
engineering in biology and other science
disciplines.

TAMU E3 Program
 National Science Foundation
 Nuclear Power Institute
 Texas Workforce Commission
 Dr. Duncan Maitland
 Mr. John Horn
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