AMVAD
Additive Manufacturing for Ventricular Assist Devices (2023-2025)
in the Cluster AMBER = Additive Manufacturing Berlin
The project is funded by the European Union (IBB: Pro FIT).
Heart failure is the most common cause of hospitalization. In a severe course of heart failure, the heart is no longer able to supply the body with sufficient nutrients. The implantation of a heart support system can become a life-sustaining therapy in this case. In this case, an artificial pump is connected directly to the patient's heart via cannulas. Special anatomical conditions also pose special challenges for the geometry of the cannulae. Additive manufacturing technologies can open up forward-looking approaches to solving these problems.
The aim of the project is therefore to develop a process that enables the use of additive manufacturing (AF) for the production of high-risk medical devices (MP). This will be developed and demonstrated using the example of a cannula with patient-specific geometry. In addition, the design and documentation of the development process is to be realized in order to enable a later, possible approval for individual medical devices.
The entire process chain will be investigated, starting with medical imaging and processing, through computer-aided product design, to product manufacture using AF, including process validation and proof of the safety and performance of the individually manufactured product. In this context, additive manufacturing technologies open up possibilities for patient-specific care for previously unprovided patient groups, while at the same time ensuring a high level of safety through a complete approval process.
For medium-sized medical technology companies, such a process means that even products with smaller quantities become economically feasible and can thus be realized. This is essential, especially for medical technology products in the field of pediatric applications, in order to be able to develop and offer therapy options. For small innovative companies, in particular start-ups and small medium-sized enterprises, the time-to-market should also be significantly reduced.
Team:
- Prof. Dr. Holger Schlingloff
- Prof. Dr. Lars Grunske
- Lennart Siefke