New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery and LimaCorporate launched a project to develop the first provider-based additive manufacturing 3D printing facility for custom orthopedic implants.
Here are five things to know:
1. Hospital for Special Surgery began working with Lima Corporate in 2016 to source patient-specific custom implants. The initial devices were intended for highly complex cases.
2. The two organizations have expanded their partnership, with Hospital for Special Surgery developing its own 3D printing lab, which Lima will operate. The organizations will combine Lima's advanced technology and experience with HSS clinicians' and researchers' expertise in clinical care and biomechanical engineering.
"Having Lima's technology on campus will allow us to treat our patients more effectively with close collaboration of surgeons, engineers and custom implant manufacturing, which is crucial when dealing with challenging conditions," said Leonard Achan, RN, chief innovation officer at HSS.
3. Patients with complex bone injuries will have access to the onsite scans and custom implants created at the lab. Also, implants created at the lab will be available to all patients who need complex implants, not just HSS patients.
4. As the registered manufacturer for all devices produced at the new facility, Lima will oversee operations.
5. HSS expects to open the facility by early 2020 and serve hospitals in the Northeast region prior to expanding nationally.