Preparation of medical devices by solid free-form fabrication methods
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsLinda G. Cima, Michael J. Cima
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Abstract
Solid free-form techniques for making medical devices for controlled release of bioactive agent and implantation and growth of Cells are described using computer aided design. Examples of SFF methods include stereo-lithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM), fusion deposition modeling (FDM), and three dimensional printing (3DP). The macrostructure and porosity of the device can be manipulated by controlling printing parameters. Most importantly, these features can be designed and tailored using computer assisted design (CAD) for individual patients to optimize therapy.
Claims19
A method for making medical devices comprising forming an implantable medical device using a solid free-form fabrication method to form a matrix of sequential layers of biocompatible material, wherein the matrix has a defined microstructure on a scale of ten microns.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.