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20 pages, 10939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomechanics Perspective for the Design and Manufacture of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Connectors

by Mario Alberto Grave-Capistrán, Luis Antonio Aguilar-Pérez, Juan Carlos Paredes-Rojas, Carlos De la Cruz-Alejo and Christopher René Torres-SanMiguel

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1502; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041502 - 07 Feb 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3133

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressively and irreversibly affects the kidneys and is considered a catastrophic disease on a global scale. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is one of the most used methods of treatment, involving infusion and draining bags and a transfer line. [...] Read more.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressively and irreversibly affects the kidneys and is considered a catastrophic disease on a global scale. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is one of the most used methods of treatment, involving infusion and draining bags and a transfer line. Patients receiving this treatment have a catheter that is placed during surgery; this depends on having the same catheter supplies, as they are not compatible with other market brands. This research shows the comparison between connector brands used at the outlet of the Tenckhoff^® catheter. The methodology shows the design of two connectors using the 3D printing technique. Numerical simulations were carried out to establish the flow patterns through each of the designs; the maximum values of velocity reached 74 mm/s inside the PISA to Baxter (PB) connector, while the pressure and vorticity were controlled and did not represent failures inside the connectors and threads connections. An experimental testbed was designed to verify the connections between the manufactured devices and the market brand elements. The results show numerical and experimental comparisons of the developed titanium-ELI connectors with no leaks at the connection points due to the lack of commercial supplies. These connectors can be used in the treatment of CAPD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Bioactive Medical Device)

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13 pages, 3661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of 3D Printing Thermo-Sensored Medical Gear in Detecting COVID-19 Symptoms

by Milena Djukanović, Ardijan Mavrić, Jovana Jovanović, Milovan Roganović and Velibor Bošković

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010419 - 04 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3259

Abstract

Shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to provide protective equipment to the medical facilities whose supplies were threatened to be depleted. Just like many countries in Europe, Montenegro responded to the need for medical equipment by using [...] Read more.

Shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to provide protective equipment to the medical facilities whose supplies were threatened to be depleted. Just like many countries in Europe, Montenegro responded to the need for medical equipment by using the advantages of 3D printers while establishing a state network of production hubs, ensuring closed connectivity, communication, and the mutual fulfilment of personal protective equipment (PPE) demands whenever and wherever required. With the second wave of the pandemic, Montenegro rose to second place in the world with the number of coronavirus cases, which also led to an increasing number of infected medical staff. Since fever is a frequent symptom of SA+RS-CoV2 infection, a type of innovative 3D-printed thermo-sensored medical gear has been designed and tested in hospital conditions. This medical gear shaped like a bracelet, which changes color in the presence of high human body temperatures, proves to be efficient and easy to use for medical staff as well as patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Bioactive Medical Device)

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12 pages, 5198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of a Metal 3D Printing Patient-Specific Repairing Thin Implant for Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Bone Fracture Based on Buttress Theory Using Finite Element Analysis

by Yu-Tzu Wang, Chih-Hao Chen, Po-Fang Wang, Chien-Tzung Chen and Chun-Li Lin

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(14), 4738; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10144738 - 09 Jul 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7693

Abstract

This study developed a zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) patient-specific repairing thin (PSRT) implant based on the buttress theory by integrating topology optimization and finite element (FE) analysis. An intact facial skeletal (IFS) model was constructed to perform topology optimization to obtain a hollow skeleton [...] Read more.

This study developed a zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) patient-specific repairing thin (PSRT) implant based on the buttress theory by integrating topology optimization and finite element (FE) analysis. An intact facial skeletal (IFS) model was constructed to perform topology optimization to obtain a hollow skeleton (HS) model with the structure and volume optimized. The PSRT implant was designed based on the HS contour which represented similar trends as vertical buttress pillars. A biomechanical analysis was performed on a ZMC fracture fixation with the PSRT implant and two traditional mini-plates under uniform axial loads applied on posterior teeth with 250 N. Results indicated that the variation in maximum bone stress and model volume between the IFS and HS models was 15.4% and 75.1%, respectively. Small stress variations between the IFS model and repairing with a PSRT implant (2.75–26.78%) were found for compressive stress at frontal process and tensile stress at the zygomatic process. Comparatively, large stress variations (30.67–96.26%) with different distributions between the IFS model and mini-plate models were found at the corresponding areas. This study concluded that the main structure/contour design of the ZMC repair implant according to the buttress position and orientation can obtain a favorable mechanical behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Bioactive Medical Device)

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15 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Printing in COVID-19: Productivity Estimation of the Most Promising Open Source Solutions in Emergency Situations

by Mika Salmi, Jan Sher Akmal, Eujin Pei, Jan Wolff, Alireza Jaribion and Siavash H. Khajavi

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 4004; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10114004 - 09 Jun 2020

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 8931

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge of demand for medical supplies and spare parts, which has put pressure on the manufacturing sector. As a result, 3D printing communities and companies are currently operating to ease the breakdown in the medical supply chain. [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge of demand for medical supplies and spare parts, which has put pressure on the manufacturing sector. As a result, 3D printing communities and companies are currently operating to ease the breakdown in the medical supply chain. If no parts are available, 3D printing can potentially be used to produce time-critical parts on demand such as nasal swabs, face shields, respirators, and spares for ventilators. A structured search using online sources and feedback from key experts in the 3D printing area was applied to highlight critical issues and to suggest potential solutions. The prescribed outcomes were estimated in terms of cost and productivity at a small and large scale. This study analyzes the number and costs of parts that can be manufactured with a single machine within 24 h. It extrapolates this potential with the number of identical 3D printers in the world to estimate the global potential that can help practitioners, frontline workers, and those most vulnerable during the pandemic. It also proposes alternative 3D printing processes and materials that can be applicable. This new unregulated supply chain has also opened new questions concerning medical certification and Intellectual property rights (IPR). There is also a pressing need to develop new standards for 3D printing of medical parts for the current pandemic, and to ensure better national resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Bioactive Medical Device)

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28 pages, 3743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cumulative Inaccuracies in Implementation of Additive Manufacturing Through Medical Imaging, 3D Thresholding, and 3D Modeling: A Case Study for an End-Use Implant

by Jan Sher Akmal, Mika Salmi, Björn Hemming, Linus Teir, Anni Suomalainen, Mika Kortesniemi, Jouni Partanen and Antti Lassila

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(8), 2968; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10082968 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5273

Abstract

In craniomaxillofacial surgical procedures, an emerging practice adopts the preoperative virtual planning that uses medical imaging (computed tomography), 3D thresholding (segmentation), 3D modeling (digital design), and additive manufacturing (3D printing) for the procurement of an end-use implant. The objective of this case study [...] Read more.

In craniomaxillofacial surgical procedures, an emerging practice adopts the preoperative virtual planning that uses medical imaging (computed tomography), 3D thresholding (segmentation), 3D modeling (digital design), and additive manufacturing (3D printing) for the procurement of an end-use implant. The objective of this case study was to evaluate the cumulative spatial inaccuracies arising from each step of the process chain when various computed tomography protocols and thresholding values were independently changed. A custom-made quality assurance instrument (Phantom) was used to evaluate the medical imaging error. A sus domesticus (domestic pig) head was analyzed to determine the 3D thresholding error. The 3D modeling error was estimated from the computer-aided design software. Finally, the end-use implant was used to evaluate the additive manufacturing error. The results were verified using accurate measurement instruments and techniques. A worst-case cumulative error of 1.7 mm (3.0%) was estimated for one boundary condition and 2.3 mm (4.1%) for two boundary conditions considering the maximum length (56.9 mm) of the end-use implant. Uncertainty from the clinical imaging to the end-use implant was 0.8 mm (1.4%). This study helps practitioners establish and corroborate surgical practices that are within the bounds of an appropriate accuracy for clinical treatment and restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Bioactive Medical Device)

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8 pages, 3476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual Prototyping: Computational Device Placements within Detailed Human Heart Models

by Alex J. Deakyne, Tinen L. Iles, Alexander R. Mattson and Paul A. Iaizzo

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(1), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10010175 - 25 Dec 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2635

Abstract

Data relative to anatomical measurements, spatial relationships, and device–tissue interaction are invaluable to medical device designers. However, obtaining these datasets from a wide range of anatomical specimens can be difficult and time consuming, forcing designers to make decisions on the requisite shapes and [...] Read more.

Data relative to anatomical measurements, spatial relationships, and device–tissue interaction are invaluable to medical device designers. However, obtaining these datasets from a wide range of anatomical specimens can be difficult and time consuming, forcing designers to make decisions on the requisite shapes and sizes of a device from a restricted number of specimens. The Visible Heart^® Laboratories have a unique library of over 500 perfusion-fixed human cardiac specimens from organ donors whose hearts (and or lungs) were not deemed viable for transplantation. These hearts encompass a wide variety of pathologies, patient demographics, surgical repairs, and/or interventional procedures. Further, these specimens are an important resource for anatomical study, and their utility may be augmented via generation of 3D computational anatomical models, i.e., from obtained post-fixation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In order to optimize device designs and procedural developments, computer generated models of medical devices and delivery tools can be computationally positioned within any of the generated anatomical models. The resulting co-registered 3D models can be 3D printed and analyzed to better understand relative interfaces between a specific device and cardiac tissues within a large number of diverse cardiac specimens that would be otherwise unattainable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Bioactive Medical Device)

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16 pages, 7869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Evaluation System for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based Three-Dimensional Modeling of a Transfemoral Prosthetic Socket Using Finite Elements

by Mohd Syahmi Jamaludin, Akihiko Hanafusa, Yamamoto Shinichirou, Yukio Agarie, Hiroshi Otsuka and Kengo Ohnishi

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(18), 3662; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183662 - 04 Sep 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2598

Abstract

Recent technologies have suggested the utilization of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to enhance the fabrication accuracy of prosthetics. Accordingly, simulations are used to obtain precise parameters for subject-specified prosthetic socket. This study proposes an evaluation system to measure the accuracy of a subject-specific [...] Read more.

Recent technologies have suggested the utilization of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to enhance the fabrication accuracy of prosthetics. Accordingly, simulations are used to obtain precise parameters for subject-specified prosthetic socket. This study proposes an evaluation system to measure the accuracy of a subject-specific 3D transfemoral residuum model during the interaction with the socket in conjunction with the application of finite element methods. The proposed system can be used in future validations of socket fabrication. The evaluation is based on the measurement of the residuum’s soft tissue deformation inside two types of prosthetic sockets. In comparison with other studies, the 3D models were constructed with magnetic resonance images (MRI) with the aid of computer-aided design (CAD) software. The measurement of soft tissue deformation was conducted based on the measurement of the volumetric value of fat, muscle and skin in the pre- and post-donning phases. The result yielded a promising correlation coefficient value between the simulation and the experiment in the soft tissue deformation evaluation. The relation of the muscle–fat ratio in the residuum is extremely important in the determination of the ability of the prosthetic to deform. The environment during the socket fitting session was similar to that defined by the set boundary conditions in simulations. In view of the promising results of this study, the evaluation system proposed herein is considered reliable and is envisaged to be used in future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Bioactive Medical Device)

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17 pages, 1055 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Reduced Supply in the Organ Donor Market and How 3D Printing Can Address This Shortage: A Critical Inquiry into the Collateral Effects of Driverless Cars

by Patrick A. S. Mills and David K. Mills

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6400; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186400 - 14 Sep 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3466

Abstract

Driverless cars, such as those currently operated by Uber and others as well as those being researched and developed by major and niche automobile manufacturers, are expected to dramatically reduce the number of highway fatalities in the coming years. While no one will [...] Read more.

Driverless cars, such as those currently operated by Uber and others as well as those being researched and developed by major and niche automobile manufacturers, are expected to dramatically reduce the number of highway fatalities in the coming years. While no one will fault any technology that safely and effectively protects and saves lives, many individuals with an array of medical conditions rely on organ donors to provide the liver, kidney, or other organs required to facilitate a life-saving organ transplant. Consequently, one collateral effect of the introduction of driverless car technology will be a reduction in the market supply of healthy organs for transplantation. In this paper, a venture capital lawyer, a medical researcher, and a bioengineer will establish the expected size of this reduction in supply, the associated harm resulting from this reduction, and discuss two promising technological solutions—bioprosthetics and 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs. In the case of both technologies, the authors will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented for institutional investors (private equity, venture capital, angel funds) and medical researchers in tackling the potential reduction in organ donations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Bioactive Medical Device)

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