In order to demonstrate the successful implementation of the OPENMIND process chain, a set of guide wires (minimally invasive medical applications) will be realised. The guide wires are essential tools for many minimally invasive procedures, such as cardiac interventions. Cardiovascular diseases are still the number one cause of death globally but, at the same time, more and more people are surviving heart attacks and strokes thanks to the repair of lesions using minimally invasive methods such as stenting, valve replacement and the repair of aneurysms.
Additionally, the OPENMIND project will focus on the multi-modal capabilities of future products. Despite their clear advantages in terms of soft tissue visualisation, vessel imaging and lack of radiation, surgical interventions using MRI are still rare. The main reason for the poor therapeutic relevance of this powerful imaging technique is the lack of compatible medical devices. Many state-of-the-art minimally invasive devices contain metals or metal pieces, and these are not compatible with MRI. The OPENMIND project demonstrator device will be manufactured without any macroscopic metallic components and will thus be inherently MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) safe. By transferring the results of the OPENMIND project to other kinds of minimally invasive devices, physicians will be able to work with tailored tools every day.
