Analysis of biomimetic surgical clip using finite element modeling for geometry improvement and biomaterials selection

Abstract

An absorbable suture clip (MU9102934-1) for surgical applications was designed based on the bite mechanism of ant Atta laevigata. In order to emulate the behavior of the ant mandible, the clip was designed to naturally fall after some time, relieving the inconvenience of the clip removal process. The structure consists of a metallic handle and an absorbable polymeric tip. This study aims to optimize its geometry and select the best biomaterials to the handle structure, by analyzing its mechanical performance using the finite element method (FEM). The biomaterials selected for the simulations of the handle were AISI 316L and AISI 420 stainless steels. FEM analysis was performed using ANSYS FE software. The stress and strain distributions for each material and geometry changes were analyzed. From the analysis performed, the clip was optimized in order to be applied in a less traumatic form.