A record-size skull implant
75 percent of the American's skull was replaced with an implant printed on a 3D printer
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of such 3D implants just a month ago. For what reason the patient needed to perform such an operation, it is not reported.
The shape of the patient's head, which had to be given to the implant, was obtained by doctors using computed tomography. After drawing in special software, the "prosthesis", equal in area to 75 percent of the patient's skull, was printed on a 3D printer.
The implant is made of a polymer material called PEKK (polyesterketonketone), which has inertia in relation to the biological environment. The new "skull" of the American consists of many layers, which were sequentially melted using lasers from polymer granules. At the same time, according to the president of the implant manufacturer Scott DeFelice, special furrows and depressions made in the "prosthesis" contribute to the growth of bone tissue.
"Similar operations can be performed in other cases when the patient is missing part of the skull. Such injuries occur due to accidents and other incidents, as well as when doctors are forced to remove the bones of the skull during surgery," Defelice explained. From 300 to 500 Americans need cranial implants every month.
Earlier, another group of American scientists managed to create a viable human ear using a 3D printer. The researchers poured a gel containing collagen and cartilage cells into the printed form.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru13.03.2013