Individualized and Lifesaving Implants 3D Printed on a FORMIGA P 110
University of Michigan | Success Story
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Patient-specific splints for children of all ages
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From design to print within two days
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Cost-effective, even in small quantities
"If we can expand the number of biomaterials used in Additive Manufacturing, we can tackle a tremendous number of problems in all fields of reconstructive surgery and make enormous strides for the benefit of patients."
Dr. Scott Hollister | Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Lead Researcher at the Department of Biomedical Engineering | University of Michigan
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The University of Michigan uses a FORMIGA P 100 to manufacture individualized and lifesaving implants for children.
The University team uses patient data from MRI or CT scans to examine the defect to be repaired, then creates computer models of the anatomy. Engineers are then able to design splints with a highly compliant, porous structure of interconnected spaces, which will slowly expand along with the maturing airway over time.
After fabrication, the researchers measure the splint dimensions and then mechanically test them. The splint-supported trachea expands and is operational right away, so that when patients are weaned off oxygen, they are able to breathe normally.
The first child is now nearly four years old and an active preschooler. And, as planned, the boy’s own tissues have successfully taken over the job of the implant, which has been almost completely reabsorbed into his body.
"I chose EOS because we were looking for a system that was flexible and allowed us to change parameter settings like laser power, speed, powder-bed temperature, and so on, which we needed to do to customize our builds."
Dr. Scott Hollister | Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Lead Researcher at the Department of Biomedical Engineering | University of Michigan
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