Revolutionary Medical Device Center Enhances Efficiency with 3D Prototyping

The Earl E. Bakken Medical Device Center at the University of Minnesota is dedicated to advancing medical device development. They believe that everyone studying or working in the medical device field should have practical experience in prototyping and designing medical devices. Trainees, including interns and fellows, work on identifying clinical needs and collaborate with medical and industry partners to create devices to address those needs. Medical device prototyping is crucial for getting user feedback on device design and functionality, but they needed a more affordable and responsive method for medical device design prototyping. The Bakken Medical Device Center found a game-changing solution with fused filament 3D printing (FFF). This method allows for the quick printing of non-functional prototypes within hours, and is great for making quick iterations and revisions as ideas and designs evolve. By bringing the 3D printing process in-house and using Ingeo PLA filament, the team saved time and money. Ingeo is cost-effective, easy to work with, and faster to print than other materials, while also being less likely to warp and can be printed at lower temperatures - qualities that are essential for creating detailed medical device prototypes and anatomical models. The Bakken Medical Device Center used Ingeo PLA to create numerous prototypes and models, including ones for planning the separation of conjoined twins. These models helped surgeons plan the complex surgery, particularly for the shared organ systems like the liver, heart, and chest, without putting the patients' lives at risk.

Click here to view article