Onsite medical implants creation by combination of enhanced design methods and 3d printing

Abstract

In the field of medical surgeries, many optimization measures can be carried out based on the ongoing technology progress of the last decades and future considerations. In this context, 3D printing offers an interesting and auspicious approach, especially in the field of bone replacement through inserted implants. These implants are subject to strict medical regulations as well as technical limitations, constraints and requirements. Particularly regarding design and accuracy of the implants technical improvements can be applied to accelerate the creation process and increase the accuracy of fit at the same time. One approach to support this includes the use of well-established surface modeling techniques from the automotive industry combined with novel artificial intelligence methods. In this context, the paper provides insights into the initial process from the development, over the creation to the insertion of implants and introduces an improved process to accelerate surgical steps while saving resources and costs for the healthcare system. Furthermore, the impact and benefits of automotive-based design paired with artificial intelligence methods in surgical processes are discussed. In addition to technical requirements and medical boundary conditions, the presented approach also considers ethical aspects in order not to limit the application of the approach to restricted patient groups as well as sustainability aspects enabling a general resource management in the newly developed procedure.