Custom Printed Medical Implants

Nov-06-15 A new process of carefully controlling ceramic fibers during 3D printing could open the door to a new level of personalized medical devices.

Developed by a team from Northeastern University, the technology involves shaping the 3D composite materials of plastic and ceramics using ultra low magnetic fields.

When the ceramic fibers within the liquid plastic are subjected to the magnetic field, they align with the plastic in the same way natural calcium phosphate fibers in bone arrange around the blood vessel holes. This increases the strength of the material and also allows for more precise control over the devices, resulting in a better and more comfortable fit for catheters and other medical devices. (Because they are so commonly used with newborn infants, custom-printed catheters are the initial focus of the project.)

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[NORTHEASTERN.EDU]

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