At the end of September 019, DePuy Synthes, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Medical, announced the use of EIT Cellular Titanium 3D printing technology to produce the interbody fusion cage product-CONDUIT, which further expands Johnson & Johnson's solutions in the field of degenerative spinal disease treatment. Johnson & Johnson announced several major features of CONDUIT implants: In vitro studies have shown that compared with conventional titanium materials, 3D printed titanium porous materials have nanoscale features and show increased osteoblast adhesion; porosity of 80% Cancellous bone porosity is 50% -90%, CONDUIT porosity is similar to it; elastic modulus is similar to cancellous bone.
Since DePuy Synthes was acquired by Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH in 2018, the device platform launched has been called the CONDUIT Interbody Platform, which is the first commercial version using German Emerging Implant Technology (EIT).
Nadav Tomer, global president of spine product line at DePuy Synthes, commented, "The goal of the medical spine business is to focus on areas that have the greatest potential to address clinical needs that have not yet been addressed. With the launch of our comprehensive implantation program for deformed intervertebral disc disease, a spine solution that improves patient viability, enabling each patient to receive more advanced care. "
EIT honeycomb titanium 3D printed implant CONDUIT
EIT Cellular Titanium CONDUIT is a new series of implants made using EIT Cellular Titanium. The elastic properties of EIT Cellular Titanium are comparable to the cancellous tissue at the core of human bones. Each shape and size is different (depending in part on the site of implantation), and the center of each CONDUIT implant is designed as a grid. This structure gives the implant 80% porosity compared to the atypical porosity (50-90%) of natural cancellous bone. As the body heals, the organized and porous structure of the implant promotes the growth of natural bone.
In vitro studies have shown that human stem cells cultured on similar porous titanium structures have greater osteoblast differentiation capacity compared to solid titanium surfaces. In vivo studies using similar porous titanium materials have shown that compared to larger or smaller pores, pores in the 500-700 μm range increase bone ingrowth, and the porosity of cancellous human bone is typically 50- 90%. Based on existing scientific research results, CONDUIT ™ implants are designed with a porosity of 80% and a pore size of 700 μm.
X-ray shows that better contours can be achieved, contact evaluation of the end plate with the implant, and no tantalum marker scattering during and after surgery.
For DePuy Synthes' EIT Cellular Titanium Technology CONDUIT product platform, Dr. Wilson Z. Ray, a neurosurgeon surgeon and spine consultant at DePuy Synthes, has direct experience using the product in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) areas of the spine. Dr Ray noted that one of its advantages is that implants can be monitored during surgery after surgery. He commented, "This implant provides excellent visualization compared to other titanium intervertebral implants, with little difference in CT scans and early fusion evaluations."
DePuy Synthes is dedicated to the development of medical additive manufacturing. After the acquisition of EIT, the company invested 36 million Euros through its Irish Innovation Centre to promote the science of 3D printing materials. The company also owns a 3D printing center in Tissue Regeneration Systems, Michigan, and has established a long-term surgical guide manufacturing partnership with Materialise.
For 3D printed spinal implants, DePuy Synthes is competing with companies such as American medical device maker Stryker and China Aikang Medical. Stryker in particular claims to have "the most powerful 3D printed implant portfolio on the market".
DePuy Synthes Innovation Center
DePuy Synthes Innovation Center was established a decade ago to integrate new technologies into the company's orthopedic product portfolio, including 3D printed patient-specific implants. This new investment will particularly contribute to a five-year project focused on advancing materials science in 3D printing, coatings and surface treatments for higher quality implants and medical devices. In addition, a 3D printing development center will be established.
"Ireland continues to develop its global leadership in manufacturing high-value, highly regulated innovative products and services," said Martin Shanahan, CEO of foreign direct investment agency IDA Ireland, who is also involved in the investment.
DePuy Synthes and 3D bioprinting
In 2018, DePuy Synthes and Materialise expanded their partnership to develop the TRUMATCH personalized solution for shoulder joint systems. The system enables surgeons to plan, design and order patient-specific 3D printed guides for shoulder operations.
Since then, DePuy Synthes has strengthened its intervertebral implant portfolio, which includes titanium alloy PEEK technology for minimally invasive spinal surgery. Gary Clerkin, Global Head of Manufacturing Engineering, Science and Technology, DePuy Synthes explains:
"We must continue to provide influential research results. This advanced materials and surface technology center will help accelerate innovation through the supply chain and shape the products of the future." In addition, the AMBER Center will continue its research projects for the DePuy Synthes project Osteoarthritis patients in China develop 3D bioprinted implants.