Medical devices - part 1

Question 1

Why are medical devices seen as a growing sector within the Additive manufacturing industry?

Answer 1

Growing sector - Ageing population; increasing survival rates from diseases, increasing elderly population

Cost constraints - NHS especially need to cut costs where possible

Patient expectations are higher; we expect a higher quality experience (if we get a prosthetic arm we want one that looks like an arm etc..)

High value - not just financially, affects quality of life, we want to add value to the process.

Question 2

What does the growing nature of the medical devices sector of Additive Manufacturing mean for the industry?

Answer 2

New innovation is needed in products and process chains

AM can influence customised devices and the mass-produced devices markets

Question 3

Additive manufactured parts can cost more than traditional methods some times, why should it still be considered?

Answer 3

There are a number of different needs for a personalised device and these vary with each different device application

• more complex shape more easily achieved; personalised geometry for implants; weight savings; functionality requirements
• structures to encourage cell growth; channels for blood flow; other performance enhancements
• Process chain considerations

Question 4

What are some limitations of traditional methods for producing cusomised devices?

Answer 4

• Hand made methods are often used - dependant on a skill; can be slow; can be inaccurate
• Can involve a number of trips to a specialist
• Can involve physical contact e.g. mask to help recovery of severe burns - mold taken from a patients face (severly painful for patient); psychological impact