1st 3D Printed Medical Implant

The first 3D-printed medical implant made in Canada has made headlines in the medical device industry.

The 3D anatomical reconstruction laboratory (LARA 3D) at Investissement Québec is making history by being the first Canadian organization to be approved to produce a 3D-printed medical implant device in Canada.

Health Canada has approved the “Specifit 3D” mandibular plate which is mainly used to help patients with oral cancer as they undergo facial reconstruction surgery. For oral cancer patients, mandibular reconstruction surgery is a common option to improve functions such as restructuring the lower facial contour and strengthening impacted teeth. This surgery can be life-changing for patients by helping them speak and chew with greater ease, ultimately contributing to a greater quality of life. For mandibular reconstruction surgery, a mandibular plate is needed for the specific pieces of bone that are added to be aligned and normalized.

The approval by Health Canada specifies that “Specifit 3D” mandibular plate must be produced with biocompatible materials when it’s 3D printed. Furthermore, this device will be designed and printed by LARA 3D custom to the patient’s anatomy using laser and electron beam powder bed fusion as well as biocompatible metals. By being patient-specific, this device will help increase the surgery success rate, and lower the recovery time and the time to complete the surgery itself.