GE Additive expedites Endocon medical device production with 3D printing

September 19, 2018 3D Printing, Medical Devices, Orthopedics

German medical device company endocon GmbH has developed a 3D printed surgical tool with the help of GE Additive Concept Laser Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM) technology. The medical-grade device is designed to improve and simplify the removal of hip implants, with the optional use of fifteen additively manufactured stainless steel blades.

With this technology, Endocon has been able to save time and money on manufacturing while simultaneously reducing the risk of complications.

Simplifying surgical removal of hip implants

The implantation of acetabular cups is a relatively routine hip replacement operation. Their removal, however, is a much more complicated process. Typically, surgeons use a chisel to dislodge the implanted cup, presenting risks to a patient’s bone and soft tissue.

Endocon’s endoCupcut product was created as an alternative cup removal tool. With fifteen interchangeable blades in various sizes ranging from 44mm to 72mm, the endoCupcut tool provides more precise cutting along the edge of an acetabular cup for loosening and extraction.

These blades were made on a Concept Laser Mlab cusing 100R machine at Weber-KP an additive manufacturing, 3D scanning and engineering service bureau.

3D printed blades

17-4 PH stainless steel powder was used as the material to make blades for the endoCupcut device. Depending on their size and orientation, between two and six blades can be 3D printed at any time on the Mlab cusing 100R, on a build plate of 90 mm x 90 mm. Including data preparation, 3D printing, high-quality surface finishing, hardening and bead blasting, it takes Weber-KP approximately three weeks to deliver a complete set of endoCupcut blades.

Before additive, these blades would have been cast in metal from a mold. In addition to issues with reputability, corrosion and consistency, casted blades would have a lead time of up to three and half months for production.

In terms of biocompatibility, the 3D printed blades led to a more consistent outcome of hip cup replacement, and the rejection rate was reduced from 30% to under 3%.

By Beau Jackson | 3D Printing Industry

Image Credit: GE Additive

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About Peter Coffaro 699 Articles

A growth-driven and strategic executive, Peter Coffaro commands more than 20 years of progressive management success within the orthopedic industry. Recognized by MedReps.com as one of the top medical sales influencers in the industry; he has 10 years of combined sales management experience and has held positions as a Director, General Manager and Distributor. Peter has worked for some of the top orthopedic companies in the world - Zimmer, DePuy and Stryker. He is also the founder of OrthoFeed: a popular blog that covers orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson and has an extensive background in organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing and professional education. Peter holds a B.S. degree in Biology from Northern Illinois University.