Continuation of manufacturing operations during Covid-19 restrictions by additional site rental
Lead Participant:
AXIAL MEDICAL PRINTING LIMITED
Abstract
The aim of this Eurostars project is to improve bone surgical care, by providing surgeons with access to safe, fast and efficient 3D printing (3DP) of anatomical structures for surgery planning. 3D models are valuable for surgery planning of complex bone surgeries, allowing for pre-fitting of plates and screws and to optimize a surgical approach. As such, 3D models reduce operative time, blood loss, tissue damage and complication risk, leading to improved surgical outcomes and faster patient recovery. Current computed tomography (CT) based 3DP of bones is costly, laborious and time-consuming, and is unable to include the soft tissue structures surrounding the bone. Moreover, CT imaging is based on harmful radiation. Because of these limitations, the broad clinical adoption of 3DP as a tool to improve bone healthcare has been slow.
In the OPERATE project a 3DP end-to-end solution will be developed based on the proprietary Bone Magnetic resonance imaging (Bone MRI) technology developed by consortium partners UMC Utrecht (UMCU) and MRIguidance (MG). This is the first technique for radiation-free bone imaging, as well as for characterization of bone and surrounding soft tissue at the same time. It will be combined with Axial3D (Axial)'s technology for automated conversion of medical images to 3D printable files. UMCU will ensure access to clinical expertise and patient data.
The project result will be a fast, radiation-free and efficient end-to-end solution for 3DP for bone surgery applications. The geometrical accuracy of 3D models will be confirmed by comparison to state-of-the-art technologies. The OPERATE end-to-end solution will be offered to bone surgeons for the generation of anatomical models of bone and soft tissue structures affected by injury or cancer, to be used for optimal personalised surgical planning.
The OPERATE solution will be offered to hospitals providing bone surgery in the EU and subsequently to global markets. Cumulative revenues of €27 million are estimated within 5 years after project end, coming from software license sales and service offerings to the consortium's extensive clinical network and indirect distribution through main medical imaging and 3DP hardware vendors.
In the OPERATE project a 3DP end-to-end solution will be developed based on the proprietary Bone Magnetic resonance imaging (Bone MRI) technology developed by consortium partners UMC Utrecht (UMCU) and MRIguidance (MG). This is the first technique for radiation-free bone imaging, as well as for characterization of bone and surrounding soft tissue at the same time. It will be combined with Axial3D (Axial)'s technology for automated conversion of medical images to 3D printable files. UMCU will ensure access to clinical expertise and patient data.
The project result will be a fast, radiation-free and efficient end-to-end solution for 3DP for bone surgery applications. The geometrical accuracy of 3D models will be confirmed by comparison to state-of-the-art technologies. The OPERATE end-to-end solution will be offered to bone surgeons for the generation of anatomical models of bone and soft tissue structures affected by injury or cancer, to be used for optimal personalised surgical planning.
The OPERATE solution will be offered to hospitals providing bone surgery in the EU and subsequently to global markets. Cumulative revenues of €27 million are estimated within 5 years after project end, coming from software license sales and service offerings to the consortium's extensive clinical network and indirect distribution through main medical imaging and 3DP hardware vendors.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| AXIAL MEDICAL PRINTING LIMITED | £4,619 | £ 4,619 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Máire Power (Project Manager) |