3D printed polymer skull implant that can be absorbed by the body

It is understood that a group of researchers from the National University of Science and Technology (MISIS) has just launched a new 3D printed bone implant. The implant was developed specifically for skull injuries and is slowly absorbed by the body and replaced by natural bone tissue.

The breakthrough was achieved through a joint effort by the Moscow team led by Fyodor Senatov and experts from the NN Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center. This is a major advancement in the field of skull surgery. Most importantly, the implant is perfectly matched to the patient's skull due to a clever shape memory contraction and growth process. After 3D printing according to specific patient parameters, the implant shrinks to about half of its original size. During surgery, it is heated and regained its original shape and size, thus ensuring that the implant fits perfectly into the patient's skull or jaw.

Senatov explained that the specific properties of the material make it possible. “We have successfully utilized the shape memory effect of lactic acid polymers, which is a polylactic acid-based composite. This porous composite structure can shrink to half its original size and then return to its original shape.” He said . This new 3D printed implant also has a very high porosity and does not require any additional surgery after the initial surgery.

This is mainly due to the complete biocompatibility and biodegradability of the new 3D printed material of lactic acid polymer, which will eventually be completely decomposed. "This material will completely decompose in the body and will not cause any harm to the body." Senatov pointed out. At the same time, this material and its porous structure promote cell growth. Over time, the cells rapidly replace the degraded implant material and form a complete bone structure.

This concept of cell growth was developed in collaboration with cancer experts from the Russian Cancer Research Center at NN Blokhin. It relies on a customized cell transplantation method that uses cells taken from the patient's own bone marrow. Senatov explains: “The initial transplant stimulates the growth of blood vessels and tissues within the implant, which optimizes the repair process and increases the speed at which the implant fuses with the surrounding tissue, resulting in a more efficient transplant.”

Although still under development, the Russian team estimates that on average, each patient can get the implant system that promotes cell growth for only $400. Although traditional brain implants usually require additional surgery after the initial surgery, the Russian team believes that this new 3D printing system will greatly improve surgery, which often causes significant head and face injuries. . The implant itself is fixed with some conventional metal implant screws and no additional surgery is required.

Although the research team has not yet disclosed a specific clinical trial plan, Russian researchers are planning to apply this technique to oral and maxillofacial surgery to replace a 5 cm cm skull.