• Computational modelling
• Biomechanics
• Biodegradable implants

Biodegradable devices have several advantages over state-of-the-art bioinert devices, which have been dominating the medical market for multiple decades. Biodegradable devices break down over time and are absorbed and removed by the body. This can result in an improved clinical and financial outcome by reducing risks associated with the prolonged implantation of bioinert devices and eliminating the need for secondary surgery. The applications of biodegradable devices seem promising. However, the development of these devices is time-consuming due to the physical bench testing, prescribed by ASTM-standards, that must be performed at several time points to evaluate the implant at different levels of degradation. In-silico models have already proven to successfully replace standard in vitro testing with testing of patient-specific designs and boundary conditions during the design process. However, these models have not yet incorporated biodegradation and fatigue mechanisms, which are critical for accurately predicting device performance over time. The aim of this project is to develop and validate an in-silico time-dependent model that incorporates the biodegradation and fatigue mechanisms of polymers. Additionally, this project seeks to create simplified models, compatible with the developed in-silico degradation model, that represent the progression of healing tissue over time, enhancing the understanding of the in vivo scenario before advancing to clinical trials.

Master in Biomedical Engineering, KU Leuven (Belgium) – 2023
Master’s thesis: Finite Element Modelling of Mg-based Implant Biodegradation (KU Leuven)

List of publications

oriana.debecker [at] kuleuven.be

Biomechanics Section
Department of Mechanical Engineering
KU Leuven
Celestijnenlaan 300 – 04.112
3001 Heverlee (Leuven), Belgium

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