Picture: 3D Systems
In cooperation with the French medical technology company Tissium, 3D Systems has developed a bioresorbable implant solution for the repair of peripheral nerves. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now granted de novo approval for the COAPTIUM Connect product, which is based on a specially developed 3D printing process. The photopolymer-based solution enables atraumatic, suture-free reconstruction of damaged nerve tracts.
At the heart of the project is a biocompatible, elastomeric material that can be 3D printed into finely structured implants with high mechanical adaptability. The combination of Tissium’s programmable polymers and 3D Systems’ bioprinting platform makes it possible to create patient-specific shapes that can be completely degraded. The process eliminates the need for traditional sutures, minimizing stress on surrounding tissue.
“This is a significant advancement in patient care,” said Scott Turner, vice president, advanced systems, 3D Systems. “It has been tremendously rewarding to work alongside the talented team at TISSIUM to design a complete 3D bioprinted solution that offers the potential for patients to recover from peripheral nerve damage. I truly believe this will redefine treatment paradigms and offer hope to individuals that have suffered from the effects of nerve damage in regaining their quality of life.”
The process is based on a printing technology that is also being tested for complex tissue structures such as lung tissue. The so-called print-to-perfusion method makes it possible to produce high-resolution scaffolds that can be colonized with living cells. The aim is to additively produce functional tissue for transplantation purposes in the medium to long term.
“Over the past several years, we have made phenomenal progress building upon Chuck Hull’s invention of 3D printing, and pushing its capabilities into new frontiers,” said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president & CEO, 3D Systems. “Whether in our medical device business through the production of patient-specific implants and surgical solutions, or through the work our regenerative medicine team is doing, 3D Systems is making a profound impact not only on how healthcare is delivered, but on the quality of patients’ lives, and continues to solidify what I believe is an unparalleled role we play in advancing medicine with additive manufacturing applications. This latest accomplishment by TISSIUM, enabled by our unique 3D printing technology, is one more example of how 3D Systems is transforming patient care for a better future.”
FDA approval underlines the increasing role of additive manufacturing in medical applications. According to forecasts, the global market for 3D bioprinting will grow significantly in the coming years. Applications such as COAPTIUM Connect show the potential to realize functional implants beyond conventional manufacturing methods.
