Available for Licensing
US Patent: US 2019/0328517
David A Prawel
Susan P James
Ashley L Beckwith
Steve Foster
Steve.Foster@colostate.edu
970-491-7100
At a Glance
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed systems and methods for manufacturing customized cardiovascular devices using 3D printed thermo-plastic urethane (TPU). Using a patient-specific 3D model generated from patient cardiovascular data, a 3D printer is capable of producing customized polymeric cardiovascular medical devices having intricate micro-geometries, profiles, shapes, sizes, among other features.
The customized cardiovascular devices have optimized performance in both the integrity and functionality of the device individually, as well as biological functionality in conjunction with the anatomy of the patient. The customization has benefit not only for the patient, but also the physician performing the complex procedure.
Background
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States and globally, with people of all ages and backgrounds being susceptible to the condition in various forms. Cardiovascular devices may be surgically implanted in a patient to repair, replace, or otherwise provide therapy for damaged cardiovascular anatomy. Patients suffering from aortic stenosis or similar heart valve diseases may undergo surgery to replace a defective heart valve with a prosthetic valve. Whereas a stent may be placed in a narrow or blocked artery during a percutaneous coronary intervention to restore blood flow.
Such cardiovascular devices are typically challenging to manufacture. Furthermore, due to manufacturing constraints, many conventional cardiovascular devices are difficult to fit within the patient anatomical structures during a surgical procedure and/or are prone to reduced operability to provide effective therapy within the environment of the patient anatomy. Often, conventional cardiovascular devices fail to account for patient-specific morphologies and surgical approaches.
Benefits
- Custom, patient specific heart valves
- Better performing (especially with custom shape engineering)
- Lower thrombogenesis with HA-enhancement
- Custom engineered surface features – manages blood flow, vortex generation, turbulence
Applications
- Cardiovascular devices
- Artifical heart valves
- Stents
- Other implantable devices
- Customized solutions to cardiac birth defects
- Individualized medicine for other implantable devices based on patient-specific imaging
Last updated: May 2021
