Applications and challenges of using 3D printed implants for the treatment of birth defects

Abstract

Pediatric implants are a special subclass of a vast number of clinically used medical implants, uniquely designed to address the needs of young patients who are at the onset of their developmental growth stage. Given the vulnerability of the implant receiver, it is crucial that the implants manufactured for small children with birth-associated defects be given careful considerations and great attention to design detail to avoid postoperative complications. In this review, we focus on the most common types of medical implants manufactured for the treatment of birth defects originating from both genetic and environmental causes. Particular emphasis is devoted toward identifying the implant material of choice and manufacturing approaches for the fabrication of pediatric prostheses. Along this line, the emerging role of 3D printing to enable customized implants for infants with congenital disorders is presented, as well as the possible complications associated with prosthetic-related infections that is prevalent in using artificial implants for the treatment of birth malformations.

Healthcare Applications of 3D Printing in Human Implants: A Review

“…According to the National Institutes of Health, a cochlear implant is a medically electronic diagnostic tool that recovers partial auditory, and serves as a sensory support and an alternative for deaf as well as those who suffer from profound sensory disabilities due to damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear termed as the cochlea [28]. The procedure of cochlear implant needs a multidisciplinary approach and a quality regulated framework that extends from acknowledgement to life-long monitoring and is set out in the AWMF guideline on cochlear implant [29].…”

“…The transmitter then passes the coded signals to a receiver that is placed just below the surface. The receiver collects the transmitter's coded electrical signals and sends them to the array of electrodes that have been surgically mounted within the cochlea [28].…”

“…This medical disorder can be mild and may not need any treatment, with most children outgrowing the defect by the time they turn 3 years old. However, some cases have been reported as severe and life-threatening that required immediate surgery [28].…”

“…Cardiovascular implants are considered as the most reliable implants till date such as defibrillators and pacemakers [31]. Other equipments like implantable pressure monitoring system or implantable blood glucose level monitoring system has the ability to diagnose blood pressure and glucose level exhibit early detection of blood pressure or blood glucose levels for providing personalized care for patients according to the symptoms [28].…”

Bioprinting: Prospects, considerations and challenges for application in South African clinical environments

“…[21] AM is proving to be vital in many patient-specific therapies that rely heavily on the ability to customise treatments to individual patients. Hearing aids, [22] drug delivery methods, [23,24] dental, [25] orthopaedic [26] and paediatric implants [27] are a few of the therapies that have been revolutionised by the development of AM technologies. Furthermore, in the hope of reducing complication rates, researchers have found 3D printing to be invaluable in providing medical students with more realistic models for better preparation before performing complicated surgeries on real patients.…”