Medical Rapid Prototyping, Medical Device Prototyping, Medical Prototype

ProtoCAM specializes in medical rapid prototyping and medical stereolithography, providing medical devices prototypes, medical models, medical prototypes and physical prototypes of anatomical parts for medical applications. The use of rapid prototyping (RP) technologies in medical applications is relatively new and very innovative, so that designers, doctors, or others can generate a physical, tangible medical prototype to work with. So far, medical rapid prototyping has been used for:

• Medical Devices
• Physical Anatomical Parts
• Medical Models

Medical Device Prototyping

The design process for new or improved medical devices, such as catheters, stents, fluid administration systems, drug delivery systems, chemotherapy tips, syringes, cardio-vascular devices, vascular access devices, etc. includes the important step of producing, examining, and testing a physical medical prototype.

The practical aspects of medical device rapid prototyping are described well in a recent Medical Device magazine article. Engineers and designers like to have a medical prototype to sample its size and get an idea of a its form, fit, and feel. Questions to ask include: Does the shape feel the way you wanted it to? Do joints allow easy attachments? Is there anything obstructing operators as they use the product?

Besides actual devices for medical uses, the RP technologies can be used for surgical instruments (such as ergonomic surgical instruments) or component parts for any medical equipment.

ProtoCAM has produced medical device prototypes for many major device manufacturers. ProtoCAM's vast experience in rapid prototyping medical applications is a compelling reason to work with us.

Physical / Anatomical Parts

Advances in replacing or augmenting human anatomical parts have driven the growth of medical prototype parts. This could be an actual implanted physical part that requires a medical prototype using medical grade material for testing, or it could be a model that is used for research. For example, a replacement part that might use the medical implant rapid prototyping process would be a bone implants or prosthesis. Or the medical part might be an inserted piece used a brace or supporting structure, such as a rod for a broken bone. In any case, the rapid prototyping process applied to physical medical parts is another innovative use of RP technology.

Case Study: Orthopedic Knee Replacement

ProtoCAM worked with a customer on a medical rapid prototyping project involving knee replacement orthopedic prototype. Previous knee replacement prototypes had been created using ThermoJet printer, then later using laser sintering (SLS) and CastForm or DuraForm PS material. For this project, ProtoCAM found a new use for an existing technology. Instead of using laser sintering, the prototype was made by casting it using a stereolithography pattern and founder’s wax. The benefits to the customer were that the detailed finish was brought forward into the wax prototype, later used in the investment casting process. Also, the cost of this prototyping process was lower. For more detail, check the Medical Rapid Prototyping blog post about this knee replacement prototype.

Medical Models

ProtoCAM can create orthopedic rapid prototypes of anatomical models and medical models for many uses. Medical models have been used as learning tools for many years. Some examples include models of hearts, bones, and joints. But advances in medical rapid prototype models now allow medical practitioners use physical models to visualize the medical problem and plan treatment. The key element is taking 2D information, say from an MRI or CT, and using medical stereolithography to create a 3D medical model. For example, a rapid prototype medical model is used by a surgeon to plan jaw and skull surgeries more efficiently, also described the Medical Device magazine article or medical and forensic applications as talked about in Stereolithography: Turning Computer Models, CT and MRI Data Into Physical Models by Paul Kakert and Reed Williams, M.D. See this recent Preliminary study of rapid prototype medical models, which researches the use of rapid prototype medical models for use with shoulders, hips, knees, and others.

Medical Prototype Key Benefits

• Fast turn-around
• Use of FDA-approved materials
• Confidentiality assured

Materials used in Medical Rapid Prototyping

• Silicone rubber
• Urethane
• Epoxy
• FDA approved medical grade material
• Contact us for additional materials that you require

Contact ProtoCAM for Medical Rapid Prototyping

Please contact ProtoCAM for Medical Rapid Prototyping, Medical Device Prototyping, Medical Stereolithography or to discuss your specific rapid medical prototype or to request a quotation.