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The Future of 3D Printing and Healthcare

When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as  airplane  and  automobile parts  to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in  the 1980s  as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and  patient-specific models  to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
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Sugar Polymer Used in Surgical Device

Surgery
Two Alabama doctors have developed a medical device using sugar-based polymers that could help separate and support tissues during surgery, and help the wound to heal.
The proprietary membranes are composed of dense chitosan, a natural and non-toxic sugar polymer that is usually prepared from the chitin shells of shrimp, according to a press release announcing the device. The innovation is patent-pending and was developed by Agenta Biotechnologies, located in Birmingham, AL. Magenta Medical Inc. has been incorporated to manufacture the new type of device.
“We are the first company to develop chitosan, a well-known material, into a suture-able membrane form with excellent properties for use in the clinic,” says Dr. Tom Dooley, one of the co-founders of Magenta. “We expect that this unique technology will be a game-changer for the commercial surgical membrane marketplace.”
Dr. Arthur DeCarlo, another co-founder, and a clinician and medical researcher, conceived of the idea of the device while considering the literal and figurative “weaknesses” of current commercial surgical membranes, such as collagen membranes. The developers believe the dense chitosan membranes can be used by oral, orthopedic, general, plastic, and dermatologic surgeons. In addition to serving as surgical membranes, the device also may be used as wound dressing and to deliver active ingredients, such as drugs and vaccines to the patient’s body.
The results of the research, supported by a grant from the National Institute of Health, on the membrane technology, were published in the Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. The company anticipates a 2012 filing of a medical deviceapplication with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in oral surgery. Magenta is seeking investors and business partners to hasten the commercialization of the new product

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The Future of 3D Printing and Healthcare

When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as  airplane  and  automobile parts  to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in  the 1980s  as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and  patient-specific models  to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
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