Medical devices - part 2

Question 1

Example - Customised Devices

How does using AM add value to the overall process of face masks for burns patients?

Answer 1

• non-labour intensive compared to hand made masks
• Much quicker than the previous manual methods
• Much better accuracy rather than hand made
• Less trips to specialists as 3d scan data can be sent electronically
• Non contact 3D scans of the face are less obtrusive compared to existing method of taking plaster mould of burn patients face - very painful
• psychological benefits - less stressful for patient (patient stress incurs additional quanitified costs on the NHS )

Question 2

Example 2 - Customised Devices

E.g. Cranioplasty plate to cover a hole in scull

How can using AM add value to the overall process of this medical device ? (4 ways )

Answer 2

1.More Accurate - plaster impression are very susceptible to inaccuracte. 3D scanning is more accurate and reliable.

2. Quicker- reduction in process steps. Traditionally; take a plaster mould - make a pattern - make the titainium plate

Metal AM -> CT scan - make the titainium plate

3. Non-Contact - 3d scan doesnt require contact like taking a plaster mould.

4. Less psychological costs!! Better accuracy reduces risk for the need of resurgery and the stress associated with that.

Question 3

Example 2 - continued

Initially (capital expenditure) , using AM is more expensive than the traditional method. How could the NHS justify using AM ? (4 ways)

Answer 3

1) improved accuracy therefore less risk of requiring resurgery and all the consultations and transport associated with it
2) Less process steps, less manual labour - less over costs and overall time of the process
3) Less stress of the patient (which has a quantified cost associated with it)
4) CT scans required for 3d data for AM - although expensive, These patients would have already had one of these therefore no added cost .2 porcesses in 1.

Question 4

_Stakeholders - __Customised Devices _

Not just the cost of the part manufacture must be considered, but the cost to all the stakeholders.

We must consider all the stakeholders involved in this process. Inorder for this technology to be taken up, all the stakeholders must be able to see the benefits.

who are the 3 key stakeholders?

and what benefits are they looking for?

Answer 4

1. patient - want the device to work, less painful, less stressfull process
2. clinician - ease of use, use of their time effectively
3. NHS - reduction in cost and time of procedures

Question 5

How AM adds value to medical device processes (1)

How can AM methods look to remove stages in the process chain?

Answer 5

1. minimise the number of consultations required (streamlining the processes) e.g. using diagnostic CT scans to collect 3d data for AM
2. Or use localised scanning. Patient only needs to travel to local GP rather than specialists.

Question 6

How AM adds value to medical device processes (2)

How does AM reduce manual labour and how does it add value to the overall process ?

Answer 6

1. AM methods using CT scanning and direct AM of the final device requires minimal manual input and therefore reduces the risk of humam error
2. Improves quality
3. Improves time taken in completing the process
4. Reduces the risk of rework / resurgery and the costs associated with that as a result of manual error in the manufacturing of the device

Question 7

How AM adds value to medical device processes (3)

How does AM minimise the number of consultantions required?

How does it benefit: the Patient, the Clinician and the NHS?

Answer 7

Saves process steps /merges steps together thus resulting in a reduction in time from different specialists. E.g from 3 consultations to 1

Patient - less travel to/from appointments, minimises time away from work, reduces stress associated with frequent visits

Clinician - can see higher numbers of patients , theoretically 2/3rds as many. Can focus on their specialist skills rather than less relevant tasks

NHS - Reduces the chances of missed appointments . (now only 1 appoint is required rather than 3). Saving money as missed appointments cost the NHS £600m each year

Question 8

How AM adds value to medical device processes (4)

What is localised scanning ?

How can using localised scanning in the AM process benefit: the patient , the clinician and the NHS ?

Answer 8

Local GPs get trained to use scanners to gather the 3d data for AM.

Patient It is much more hassle to travel to visit distant specialist rather than visiting their local GP. Also it can be much less stressful in visiting your GP who you are familiar with rather than visiting a stranger.

Clinician Can focus on the more specialist sides of their job (rather than wasting time using scanners when someone else e.g. GPs, can do that).

NHS can save large costs in travel/accomodation for patients, also there is a cost saving associated with a reduction in stress for patients