Optimization design and performance study of magnesium alloy vascular clamp

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of varying inner diameter of a vascular clamp made from an Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy on its functional performance. The primary objectives are to optimize the clamp’s structure, assess its performance across different inner diameters, and ultimately determine the optimal configuration. Methods: We developed a V-shaped vascular clamp equipped with a locking mechanism and transverse teeth. The study involved comparing vascular clamps with various inner diameters (0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm, denoted as R0.35, R0.4, R0.5 and R0.6, respectively), achieved by modifying the clamp design. Finite element analysis simulated the closure process of these clamps, both with and without blood vessels, to analyze stress and strain distribution. Subsequently, we manufactured a clamp with the optimized design and conducted performance evaluations, including a closing strength test and an in vitro immersion test. Results: Among the tested vascular clamps, the R0.5 clamp demonstrated the lowest strain (0.50798) and minimal stress on blood vessels (0.7629 MPa). Notably, the R0.5 clamp remained intact during clamping fracture experiments and demonstrated a maximum closing force of 334.98±15.4 mmHg. Regarding corrosion resistance, the clamped position showed a higher corrosion rate (0.179±0.00551 mg.cm^-2.day^-1) compared to the open clamp (0.161±0.00306 mg.cm^-2.day^-1). Conclusion: The R0.5 clamp demonstrated superior performance in finite element analysis, showing effective vascular closure, strong clamping force, and uniform corrosion behavior. Overall, these results highlight its potential as an effective tool for vascular closure.