Preparation of medical devices by solid free-form fabrication methods
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsLinda G. Cima, Michael J. Cima
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims12
An implantable medical device for controlled release of a bioactive agent made using a solid free-form fabrication method to form successive layers of a biocompatible material into a matrix with a defined macroscopic shape and a defined microstructure comprising
- porous or solid walls, and
- a bioactive agent selectively distributed within or between the walls of the microstructure to provide constant rate or pulsed controlled release of the bioactive agent, and/or to form a concentration gradient within the matrix.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.