Last week, Massachusetts-based medical technology company ConforMIS launched its first two 3D printed hip joint implants, which is "the first major total hip replacement system designed in 3D" on July 31, The first surgical procedure using the system was performed by Dr. Gregory Martin, a co-investigator plastic surgeon at the JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Florida. "The ConforMIS hip joint system is designed to address many of the shortcomings of today's hip arthroplasty," said Dr. Gregory Martin, a surgical consultant at the Conformais design team. Orthopedic surgeons are adopting a fully guided system for the first time to address the wide range of anatomical differences in cases.
ConforMIS Hip System
Adapting to new medical technologies
Over the past two years, the FDA has approved many 3D printed medical implants to be placed in the body through surgery. Given the advent of approved 3D printed implants and 3D printed surgical equipment, surgeons must learn and adapt to these new medical technology solutions.
In particular, hip joint implants have significant functions in the human body. This is because they can replace diseased or damaged areas of the hip joint. And, with additive manufacturing, implants can be created to perfectly match the patient's anatomy.
According to Mark Augusti, CEO and President of ConforMIS, the global market is worth about $ 7 billion in alternatives. As a result, with the release of the ConforMIS hip system, Augusti hopes "by providing surgeons with game-changing surgical solutions to better serve them and their patients in hospital and outpatient surgical environments, leading innovative solutions . "
"With our professional surgeon design team and our extensive experience in automatic 3D printing and additive manufacturing, we can bring revolutionary new hip replacement systems to market."
ConforMIS Hip System
The ConforMIS Hip System uses proprietary advanced imaging and design software to provide a set of knee and hip replacement implants that meet FDA requirements. After converting the patient's CT scan into a 3D computer model, the unique measurements are converted into a pre-operative surgical plan, which is delivered to the surgeon before the operation.
With patient-specific 3D printed components, the Conformis Hip System is delivered directly to the hospital or surgery center through a patient-labeled kit without excessive inventory. This includes patient-friendly, single-use 3D printed cutting guidelines that reduce the need for reusable instruments required for standard total hip arthroplasty.
In addition, surgeons can work with Conformis during the preoperative planning phase to design the optimal hip system for each patient. Augusti added:
"Compared to 2D templates, our 3D implant design process provides surgeons with interactive input and improves operational efficiency. The design process produces specific personalized pre-navigation cutting guides and implants."
The first two ConforMIS hip system surgeries were performed as part of a limited release, and the full commercial release is expected to be announced in 2019.