Healthcare Innovation

A giant leap for knee health 3D-printed Knee Cartilage manufactured in Space.

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The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. “This is a groundbreaking milestone with significant implications for human health,” declared John Vellinger, Executive Vice President of Redwire. This breakthrough holds the potential to revolutionize knee treatments, which are in high demand, particularly among aging seniors and military personnel.

The 3D-printed knee meniscus has already undergone analysis on Earth. It was brought back to our planet by the SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts during their splashdown on September 4th. The insights gained from this groundbreaking experiment are expected to pave the way for innovative knee therapies. Manufacturing items in space offers distinct advantages that are often unattainable on Earth. One of the most significant benefits is the absence of gravity-related distortions. In microgravity conditions, objects are not subjected to the warping effects of Earth’s gravitational pull, allowing for precise fabrication of complex structures.

Redwire has been at the forefront of space-based research and manufacturing, currently operating ten research facilities on the ISS. Excitingly, there’s more to come. In November, Redwire is set to launch several pharmaceutical payloads aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo mission named CRS-29. Among these payloads is an experiment aimed at bioprinting cardiac tissue, pushing the boundaries of medical innovation even further. The success of this endeavor was made possible by an upgrade to Redwire’s 3D BioFabrication Facility in January. This upgrade enhanced the facility’s temperature control capabilities, particularly vital when working with bioinks sensitive to temperature variations. These improvements ensured the precision and success of the 3D-printed knee meniscus aboard the ISS.

As we witness this remarkable achievement in space-based healthcare innovation, we anticipate a brighter future for knee treatments. The fusion of cutting-edge technology and the unique environment of space is offering new hope to countless individuals suffering from knee-related ailments.

By Elizabeth Howell. published .

This blog post contains information from a statement by Redwire Corp. and NASA about the successful manufacturing of 3D-printed knee meniscus on the International Space Station. Astronauts just 3D-printed knee cartilage in space for the 1st time and it’s as weird as it sounds.

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Spine surgery 3D-Printed solution for Spinal deformities.

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The patient, Edurne Heredia, had struggled with excruciating pain caused by a severe curvature in her lower spine for decades. Despite trying various treatments, from physical therapy to nerve blocks, her condition persisted. The pandemic made traveling for specialized treatment impossible, but fate led her to Dr. Singh, who diagnosed her with hemivertebrae in early 2022. Traditional treatment options involved extensive invasive procedures, but Edurne Heredia became a candidate for a revolutionary approach. She received four asymmetric implants, meticulously designed to match her spinal contours. These custom implants offered a more natural correction of her deformity, mimicking the microarchitecture of bone, facilitating bone growth, and ensuring fusion stability.

The procedure itself closely resembled a standard lumbar fusion, but with a remarkable difference—customization. Dr. Singh collaborated with California-based Carlsmed to design implants based on the patient’s unique requirements and anatomical images. By creating a 3D model of the spinal deformity, the surgical team could visualize the correction needed and design patient-specific implants accordingly. This level of customization not only enhances the precision of the procedure but also empowers patients. They can review the 3D model with their surgeon, gaining a clear understanding of the surgical plan and expected outcomes.

Carlsmed’s 3D-printed titanium devices, known as “aprevo,” have earned the “Breakthrough Device” designation from the FDA, signifying their transformative potential in healthcare. For Edurne Heredia, this innovative approach to spine surgery has marked a turning point. While her journey to recovery is ongoing, she has already experienced significant pain reduction and improved physical alignment. Her story exemplifies how cutting-edge technology and personalized care can revolutionize healthcare, offering renewed hope to those living with spinal deformities.

Christopher DeFrancesco ’95 (CLAS). UConn Health/September 7, 2023. This blog post contains information from a real patient’s experience at UConn Health’s Comprehensive Spine Center and the innovative work of Dr. Hardeep Singh, as reported by the Hartford Business Journal. A 3D-Printed Solution for the Spine.

This entry was posted in 3D /4D Printing Medical Technology/Dental/Orthopedics/ Pharmaceuticals/ Implants/ Invisiline/Dentures/ Virtual Reality., 3D Printing 4D Printing's Network of Research/ Artificial Intelligence., 3D Printing/4D Printing /Biotechnology/Robotics. and tagged , , , , .