sible to integrate functional elements such as conducting strands or wires into load-bearing structures directly during the manufacturing process. Fig. 5: Carbon-fibre-reinforced puncture needle For medical products, the advantage of combining exceptional mechanical properties and a lightweight design can be used in devices such as endoscopes, micro-implants, or instruments for minimally invasive surgery. With fibre-reinforced plastics, visibility in medical imaging techniques like magnet resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray is also enhanced, as no artifacts whatsoever disturb the imaging. Whereas all metallic devices have susceptibility artifacts in MRI and can even be dangerous for the patient due to the forces induced by the magnetic field, fibre-reinforced plastics are not influenced at all by the magnetic field. High bending and torsional stiffness and optimum visualization are required for minimally invasive medical devices such as puncture needles and guidewires for imaging-guided interventions. With FRP devices, such interventions can be performed under MRI instead of using X-ray, which improves the imaging quality and avoids ionizing radiation to the patient. When using the pullwinding technology to manufacture guidewires and catheters, the mechanical properties can be freely adjusted over the length to achieve perfect navigation through the body. n More information: www.ipt.fraunhofer.de Acknowledgments The project results presented here have been obtained with the kind support of the Ziel2.NRW programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Fig. 6: Micro-pultruded GFRP profiles No73 June 2012 / jec composites magazine 73http://www.ipt.fraunhofer.de http://www.eco-dec.be