ON · EUROPE, MEDICAL & DENTAL,NEWS, STARTUP 2 COMMENTS
In 2013, at the apex of the latest boom in 3D printing, one of the designs that best captured the public’s imagination, as to the possibilities offered by 3D printing, was the Cortex arm cast by Evill Design (so much so that even Wired picked up on it). So far, It has remained confined to the conceptual area. Now, a Saragoza-based start-up namedExovite has set out to turn the 3D printed splint into a reality.
At this point, the project presented by Exovite is limited to a more in-depth conceptualization of the same basic idea, while also integrating a series of current available technologies (such as advanced connectivity), as well as other technologies which are currently in development.
The immobilization system consists of a 3D scanner capable of modeling the exact image of the patient’s limb and, through a proprietary software, generate a personalized custom-made splint that is manufactured by a unique 3D printer. Exovite stated that the actual printing of the patient’s immobilization system will take only between 30 seconds and five minutes.
There currently are no technologies on the market (or on the horizon for that matter) which would be capable of actually manufacturing a solid cast at this speed, other than, perhaps, HP’s MultiJet Fusion technology which, however, is also still in a conceptual phase. Exovite anticipated that the machine can be moved (which rules out HP’s current concept model) and used with patients near their bed.
The Exovite’s “Electrical Muscle Stimulation Device”, to speed up recovery, is more within reach of current technologies. However, at this point, it is also in a conceptual stage and it is represented, on Exovite’s design, by a render of a control knob that is very similar to 3DConnexion’s Space Mouse.
This system will operate at low to medium frequencies, with two electrodes and one channel, low energy Bluetooth, a micro-USB data download system, lithium-ion batteries for two hours of activity, a custom dock station and a muscle health measuring device. The sensor will convey the collected data both to a smartphone app and to remote treatment management locations, in order to implement changes to the healing procedure, without scheduling additional patient visits. The data can be transmitted directly to the patient’s smartphone.
Using Exovite’s technology would bring many benefits: on one hand optimization and streamlining of medical treatments, and, on the other, improvement in the quality of life for patients. The Exovite concept splint is perfectly fit to the patient’s body, it is lightweight and durable. The skin is aerated, which prevents itching and allergies, while permitting showering and additional tests to be performed if required.
The system can also alert health technicians if abnormalities are detected and allows patients to be assisted remotely by performing a visual assessment via phone camera. Insurance companies also stand to gain from this system, as they can follow up at anytime by accessing information in the rehabilitation process.
There is little doubt that such a system will become a reality. Some more questions arise as to when that will happen. Exovite’s team, composed of professionals from different areas (including medicine, electronics, computers, mechanics, and 3D printing), has allowed for development of a comprehensive system that ensures optimization of immobilization and rehabilitation processes. Hopefully, the project will not remain at the conceptual stage much longer, whether it will be 3D printed in a matter of minutes or hours makes little difference.
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