Jose Manuel Sierra, Jose Ignacio Rodríguez, Marta María Villazon, Jose Luis Cortizo and Maria del Rocio Fernandez
This paper aims to describe the development of an internal waste-collection device for patients who have undergone a colostomy or ileostomy. Its design is based on devices that…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe the development of an internal waste-collection device for patients who have undergone a colostomy or ileostomy. Its design is based on devices that have been produced by 3D printing with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The aim is to find an alternative to the external bags that these patients currently use and to evaluate the properties of the device produced by additive manufacturing.
Design/methodology/approach
Software for solid modelling has been used, and virtual models allow its visualization and animation, for evaluation, in a simple and fast way. Subsequently, functional prototypes have been developed by a multidisciplinary team, which includes surgeons and engineers, and have been tested to verify their mechanical properties and suitability for function.
Findings
The project has developed a functional design that has been patented and is in the clinical trials phase. This study demonstrates how 3D printing technologies are the perfect complement to accelerate the design process and build functional prototypes at low costs. The experimental tests regarding cytotoxicity, printing orientation, dynamic and static loads and temperature resistance have demonstrated the validity of the proposed device.
Originality/value
A device for internal pouch in colostomized patients has been designed, manufactured by fused deposition modelling and validated.
Details
Keywords
Jose Manuel Sierra, Maria del Rocio Fernandez, Jose Ignacio Ignacio Rodriguez Garcia, Jose Luis Cortizo and Marta María Villazon
This paper describes the evolution of the design of a mechanical distractor fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) technology for use in surgical procedures, such as…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper describes the evolution of the design of a mechanical distractor fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) technology for use in surgical procedures, such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). The functionality of the final device was analysed and the suitability of different materials was determined.
Design/methodology/approach
Solid modelling and finite element modelling software were used in the design and validation process to allow the fabrication of the device by AM. Several prototypes were manufactured and tested in this study.
Findings
A new design was developed to greatly simplify the existing devices used in TEM surgery. The new design is easy to use, more economical and does not require pneumorectum. Different AM materials were investigated with regard to their mechanical properties, orientation of parts in the three-dimensional (3D) printer and cytotoxicity to select the optimal material for the design.
Social implications
The device designed by AM can be printed anywhere in the world, provided that a 3D printer is available; the 3D printer does not have to be a high-performance printer. This makes surgery more accessible, particularly in low-income regions. Moreover, patient recovery is improved and pneumorectum is not required.
Originality/value
A suitable mechanical distractor was designed for TEM, and different materials were validated for fabrication by AM.