US20040243481A1 - System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices - Google Patents
System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040243481A1 US20040243481A1 US10/882,449 US88244904A US2004243481A1 US 20040243481 A1 US20040243481 A1 US 20040243481A1 US 88244904 A US88244904 A US 88244904A US 2004243481 A1 US2004243481 A1 US 2004243481A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- data
- patient
- biomedical
- computer
- customized
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 83
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 59
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 81
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 41
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000012377 drug delivery Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000006186 oral dosage form Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000008186 active pharmaceutical agent Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000012384 transportation and delivery Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000002513 implantation Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007943 implant Substances 0.000 abstract description 48
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 abstract description 38
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 abstract description 20
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 abstract description 19
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 abstract description 14
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 abstract description 14
- 239000006187 pill Substances 0.000 abstract description 13
- 238000002595 magnetic resonance imaging Methods 0.000 description 38
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 32
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 29
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 21
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 19
- 238000002591 computed tomography Methods 0.000 description 18
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 17
- 210000004373 mandible Anatomy 0.000 description 15
- 238000010146 3D printing Methods 0.000 description 14
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 14
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 14
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 13
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 description 11
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 11
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 8
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 8
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000006855 networking Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000013439 planning Methods 0.000 description 7
- 210000004872 soft tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 238000012800 visualization Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000037182 bone density Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000002059 diagnostic imaging Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000003102 growth factor Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 210000001847 jaw Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000002407 tissue scaffold Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000013170 computed tomography imaging Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000035876 healing Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000009103 reabsorption Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 210000001909 alveolar process Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 210000003484 anatomy Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004043 responsiveness Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000844 transformation Methods 0.000 description 3
- QORWJWZARLRLPR-UHFFFAOYSA-H tricalcium bis(phosphate) Chemical compound [Ca+2].[Ca+2].[Ca+2].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O.[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O QORWJWZARLRLPR-UHFFFAOYSA-H 0.000 description 3
- HEDRZPFGACZZDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chloroform Chemical compound ClC(Cl)Cl HEDRZPFGACZZDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009102 absorption Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003190 augmentative effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000975 bioactive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002316 cosmetic surgery Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000000883 ear external Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012634 fragment Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009607 mammography Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002483 medication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009206 nuclear medicine Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001432 poly(L-lactide) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010020751 Hypersensitivity Diseases 0.000 description 1
- JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-REOHCLBHSA-N L-lactic acid Chemical compound C[C@H](O)C(O)=O JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-REOHCLBHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010028813 Nausea Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010028980 Neoplasm Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000001132 Osteoporosis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- CYTYCFOTNPOANT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Perchloroethylene Chemical compound ClC(Cl)=C(Cl)Cl CYTYCFOTNPOANT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002125 Sokalan® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 208000002847 Surgical Wound Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007815 allergy Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003242 anti bacterial agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001062 anti-nausea Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940088710 antibiotic agent Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000003146 anticoagulant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940127219 anticoagulant drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000002246 antineoplastic agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940041181 antineoplastic drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000560 biocompatible material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007469 bone scintigraphy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000316 bone substitute Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004422 calculation algorithm Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000845 cartilage Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000012292 cell migration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052729 chemical element Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000973 chemotherapeutic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000011960 computer-aided design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003412 degenerative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004053 dental implant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012938 design process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012631 diagnostic technique Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001079 digestive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001815 facial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000122 growth hormone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940088597 hormone Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003589 local anesthetic agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960005015 local anesthetics Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002609 medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005055 memory storage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003607 modifier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008693 nausea Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000015122 neurodegenerative disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000399 orthopedic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002866 paraformaldehyde Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000059 patterning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002831 pharmacologic agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000011176 pooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002980 postoperative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 108090000765 processed proteins & peptides Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 102000004196 processed proteins & peptides Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002601 radiography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013515 script Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003625 skull Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000638 stimulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003826 tablet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003325 tomography Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000029663 wound healing Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/18—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
- G05B19/4097—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using design data to control NC machines, e.g. CAD/CAM
- G05B19/4099—Surface or curve machining, making 3D objects, e.g. desktop manufacturing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C13/00—Dental prostheses; Making same
- A61C13/0003—Making bridge-work, inlays, implants or the like
- A61C13/0004—Computer-assisted sizing or machining of dental prostheses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/3094—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2/30942—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, CT or NMR scans, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y50/00—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y80/00—Products made by additive manufacturing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/06—Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
- G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
- G16H20/40—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/40—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/67—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
- G16H50/50—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for simulation or modelling of medical disorders
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C8/00—Means to be fixed to the jaw-bone for consolidating natural teeth or for fixing dental prostheses thereon; Dental implants; Implanting tools
- A61C8/0003—Not used, see subgroups
- A61C8/0004—Consolidating natural teeth
- A61C8/0006—Periodontal tissue or bone regeneration
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/28—Bones
- A61F2/2803—Bones for mandibular reconstruction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/28—Bones
- A61F2002/2817—Bone stimulation by chemical reactions or by osteogenic or biological products for enhancing ossification, e.g. by bone morphogenetic or morphogenic proteins [BMP] or by transforming growth factors [TGF]
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/28—Bones
- A61F2002/2835—Bone graft implants for filling a bony defect or an endoprosthesis cavity, e.g. by synthetic material or biological material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/28—Bones
- A61F2/2875—Skull or cranium
- A61F2002/2878—Skull or cranium for orbital repair
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30003—Material related properties of the prosthesis or of a coating on the prosthesis
- A61F2002/3006—Properties of materials and coating materials
- A61F2002/30062—(bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30003—Material related properties of the prosthesis or of a coating on the prosthesis
- A61F2002/3006—Properties of materials and coating materials
- A61F2002/3008—Properties of materials and coating materials radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30535—Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30604—Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for modular
- A61F2002/30616—Sets comprising a plurality of prosthetic parts of different sizes or orientations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30667—Features concerning an interaction with the environment or a particular use of the prosthesis
- A61F2002/30677—Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics, into the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/3094—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2/30942—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, CT or NMR scans, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques
- A61F2002/30948—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, CT or NMR scans, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques using computerized tomography, i.e. CT scans
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/3094—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2/30942—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, CT or NMR scans, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques
- A61F2002/30952—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, CT or NMR scans, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques using CAD-CAM techniques or NC-techniques
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/3094—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2/30942—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, CT or NMR scans, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques
- A61F2002/30953—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, CT or NMR scans, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques using a remote computer network, e.g. Internet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/3094—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2002/30968—Sintering
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2210/00—Particular material properties of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2210/0004—Particular material properties of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof bioabsorbable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2250/00—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2250/0058—Additional features; Implant or prostheses properties not otherwise provided for
- A61F2250/0096—Markers and sensors for detecting a position or changes of a position of an implant, e.g. RF sensors, ultrasound markers
- A61F2250/0098—Markers and sensors for detecting a position or changes of a position of an implant, e.g. RF sensors, ultrasound markers radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2310/00—Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
- A61F2310/00005—The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
- A61F2310/00179—Ceramics or ceramic-like structures
- A61F2310/00293—Ceramics or ceramic-like structures containing a phosphorus-containing compound, e.g. apatite
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
- A61K9/20—Pills, tablets, discs, rods
- A61K9/2095—Tabletting processes; Dosage units made by direct compression of powders or specially processed granules, by eliminating solvents, by melt-extrusion, by injection molding, by 3D printing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
- B29C64/106—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
- B29C64/124—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
- B29C64/129—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified characterised by the energy source therefor, e.g. by global irradiation combined with a mask
- B29C64/135—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified characterised by the energy source therefor, e.g. by global irradiation combined with a mask the energy source being concentrated, e.g. scanning lasers or focused light sources
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
- B29C64/171—Processes of additive manufacturing specially adapted for manufacturing multiple 3D objects
- B29C64/182—Processes of additive manufacturing specially adapted for manufacturing multiple 3D objects in parallel batches
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2207/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional details, configuration and additional features of a handling device, e.g. Conveyors
- B65G2207/14—Combination of conveyors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/35—Nc in input of data, input till input file format
- G05B2219/35008—Www cad, world wide design and manufacturing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/35—Nc in input of data, input till input file format
- G05B2219/35053—IGES initial graphics exchange specification
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/35—Nc in input of data, input till input file format
- G05B2219/35054—STEP or PDES, standard for exchange of product data, form or surface data
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/35—Nc in input of data, input till input file format
- G05B2219/35219—From cad data derive cutting, stacking, sorting program
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/35—Nc in input of data, input till input file format
- G05B2219/35223—Tolerance, consider tolerance in design, design for assembly
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/45—Nc applications
- G05B2219/45166—Tomography
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/45—Nc applications
- G05B2219/45168—Bone prosthesis
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/49—Nc machine tool, till multiple
- G05B2219/49023—3-D printing, layer of powder, add drops of binder in layer, new powder
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H10/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data
- G16H10/60—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices, such as implants, drug delivery devices and/or oral dosages, and more particularly, methods and systems for rapid customization of biomedical devices using computing systems and information networks such as the Internet.
- the World Wide Web provides an interactive computer environment allowing the exchange of information.
- the Web uses a collection of common protocols and file formats, including the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”), Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”), SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), and XML (eXtensible Markup Language), to enable users to obtain or exchange information from virtually anywhere in the world, via the Internet.
- HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol
- HTML Hypertext Markup Language
- SOAP Simple Object Access Protocol
- XML eXtensible Markup Language
- To establish a presence on the Web organizations construct a “Web site”which generally includes a collection of documents written in a markup language that is accessible by users using an address on the Web, called a Universal Resource Locator (“URL”).
- URL Universal Resource Locator
- Various other networks, such as intranets and/or extranets are also being used as a channel for transmitting information.
- Telemedicine typically includes transmitting simple data, remotely monitoring patients' conditions, transmitting visual information, and even transmitting instructions to remotely operate surgical instruments or medical equipment or to provide other medical instructions in real time. Transmission of visual information is typically for diagnostics purposes, allowing medical conditions to be interpreted by specialists at a distant sites, such as is taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,027,217 and 5,655,084.
- Surgery often requires material to replace, repair or augment an anatomical body part.
- a surgeon may employ materials such as autograft or allograft bone or other implants made from metal, plastic, ceramics or other materials.
- materials such as autograft or allograft bone or other implants made from metal, plastic, ceramics or other materials.
- Proper dimensioning of the material, in both shape and size is important. Ill-fitting implants may be less secure, fail to bond at the mating site, or require replacement. Additionally, cosmetic considerations may be a concern depending on the location of the implant.
- a surgeon may prepare several different sizes of replacement material prior to the operation, selecting the best fitting piece during the operation.
- the material may be manufactured using conventional manufacturing techniques, such as machining and/or molding. Often the best fitting piece still provides a less than satisfactory fit for medical purposes.
- Customization of the replacement material is often left solely up to the surgeon, requiring the surgeon to adjust the shape of the material during surgery, for example, by grinding off or removing material from implants or adding filler material such as hydroxyapatite powder. Customizing the implant during the surgery lengthens the surgery, and leads to inconsistent quality, which is dependent on the surgeon's sculpting skills.
- aspects of the present invention provide a method and system of rapid design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices such as implants, oral dosage pills and implantable pharmaceuticals using electronic data and modeling transmissions via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets and/or extranets;
- Patient information and patient-specific radiological data may be captured and transmitted via a computer network to a design and/or manufacturing site.
- a multi-dimensional digital model may be created based on the radiological data and patient information. Communications interchanges between a clinical/diagnostic site and a design/manufacturing site permit modification of the digital model until approved.
- the approved digital model may be converted into machine instructions to construct the biomedical device.
- the digital model may be employed in a best fit selection a biomedical device from a pre-existing set biomedical devices or pre-existing set of machine-instructions. Transmittal of data over computer networks may be further directed to the use of a Website to perform various client-interaction and follow-up tasks.
- One method for rapid construction of biomedical devices may be three dimensional printing.
- Such technology allows the manufacture of biomedical devices with a great degree of design freedom and complexity as far as dimensional design, and also as far as material composition, porosity, internal architecture, and the like, taking advantage of the information in the digital models.
- active content into the architecture of the implant, such as drugs, DNA, growth factors, comb polymers, and the like, that can direct, promote, or discourage ingrowth of bone, soft tissues, or vascularized tissue in particular places.
- aspects of the invention may increase the responsiveness of the biomedical device preparation and surgical planning process as well as allowing customized construction of the biomedical device.
- it may be possible to interchange data to design and dimension a biomedical device, to visualize and confirm its suitability, to manufacture it, to deliver the biomedical device to the physician and implant or use the biomedical device in a patient, all within a few days.
- An increase in responsiveness will have attendant benefits to patient treatment, especially emergency treatment. It may also reduce geographical restrictions on the availability of medical technology.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a biomedical device design, manufacturing and/or selection system including a client computing system and a host computing system having a server computer and a CAD workstation.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are a flow diagram showing a method of operating the biomedical device design and manufacturing selection system of FIG. 1, for rapid design and delivery of biomedical devices such as implants, dosage implants and/or oral dosages.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B is a schematic diagram showing the flow of data between remote sites and a central site, and showing an alternate embodiment in accordance with the present invention that allows the option of customized manufacture or customized selection of the biomedical device.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a centralized Website to manage data and data interactions with various parties in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a computer screen print of three views of a gray scale image of anatomical data, showing a mandible as captured by a CT or MRI imaging device.
- FIG. 6 is a computer screen print of a three dimensional volume module of the mandible of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 is a computer screen print of a point cloud file of the three dimensional volume module of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 8 is a computer screen print of a smooth mesh representation of the three dimensional volume module of the mandible of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 9 is a computer screen print of an isometric view of a solid model created from the smooth mesh representation of the mandible of FIG. 8, with a replace portion of the mandible shown removed from the remainder of the mandible.
- FIG. 10 is a computer screen print of an isometric view of a solid model of three parts including the replacement portion of the mandible and two blocks used in testing.
- FIG. 11A and 11B is a program listing showing a set of computer-readable instructions defining header information, intersection points, and type of intersection resulting from a ray casting operation performed on the digital model of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 12A and 12B is a program listing showing a set of computer-readable instructions for driving a three dimensional printer to create a physical copy of the digital model of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 13 is an isometric view of three physical components created according to the instructions of FIG. 12.
- the present invention is directed to the preparation of rapid-prototyped biomedical devices manufactured or selected using a patient's own diagnostic data.
- the biomedical devices may take the form of structural implants, drug delivery implants and/or oral dosages.
- the diagnostic data may take the form of radiological data, such as data resulting from magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), computer tomography (“CT”), and/or X-ray.
- MRI magnetic resonance imaging
- CT computer tomography
- X-ray X-ray
- Transmittal of the diagnostic data over telecommunication or computer networks can significantly reduce the time required for device preparation, enhance the surgical planning process, as well as allow the custom manufacturing of the biomedical device.
- Transmittal of multi-dimensional digital models of the biomedical device over telecommunications or computer networks allows the surgeon or others to visualize and confirm the suitability of the biomedical device.
- the digital model may contain surrounding structure and/or tissue to more accurately represent the fit.
- Transmittal of requests for modification of the biomedical device over telecommunications or computer networks allows the manufacture and delivery of the anatomically accurate biomedical devices to the physician or surgeon, all within a few days, which is much faster than presently possible. This may greatly increase the responsiveness of the medical practice, with attendant benefits to patient treatment, especially in emergency treatment. It also reduces geographical restrictions on the availability of this medical technology, and can allow the centralization or pooling of resources, such as engineering talent and machine tools.
- FIG. 1 and the following discussion provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented.
- embodiments of the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program application modules, objects, or macros being executed by a computer.
- PCs personal computers
- network PCs mini computers, mainframe computers, and the like.
- the invention can be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks or modules are performed by remote processing devices, which are linked through a communications network.
- program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
- a biomedical device design and manufacturing system 10 includes a client computing system 12 and a host computing system 14 .
- the client computing system 12 may be located at a diagnostic site, such as a hospital, clinic, laboratory or doctor's office.
- the host computing system 14 may be located at a site remote from the diagnostic site, such as at a site of a biomedical device designer or manufacturer.
- the host computing system 14 includes a conventional mainframe or mini-computer, referred to herein as the computer aided design (“CAD”) workstation 16 and a server computer 18 . While shown as separate devices, the server functionality can be implemented within the CAD workstation 16 , which may reduce the cost of the system 10 , but may also cause an unacceptable degradation in system performance.
- CAD computer aided design
- the CAD workstation 16 includes a processing unit 20 , a system memory 22 and a system bus 24 that couples various system components including the system memory 22 to the processing unit 20 .
- the CAD workstation 16 and/or server computer 18 will at times be referred to in the singular herein, but this is not intended to limit the application of the invention to a single CAD workstation 16 and/or server computer 18 since in typical embodiments, there will be more than one CAD workstation 16 and/or server computer 18 .
- the biomedical device design and manufacturing system 10 may employ other computers, such as conventional personal computers, where the size or scale of the system allows.
- the processing unit 20 may be any logic processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. Unless described otherwise, the construction and operation of the various blocks shown in FIG. 1 are of conventional design. As a result, such blocks need not be described in further detail herein, as they will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art.
- the system bus 24 can employ any known bus structures or architectures, including a memory bus with memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus.
- the system memory 22 includes read-only memory (“ROM”) 26 and random access memory (“RAM”) 28 .
- ROM read-only memory
- RAM random access memory
- a basic input/output system (“BIOS”) 30 which can form part of the ROM 26 , contains basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the CAD workstation 16 , such as during start-up.
- the CAD workstation 16 also includes a hard disk drive 32 for reading from and writing to a hard disk 34 , and an optical disk drive 36 and a magnetic disk drive 38 for reading from and writing to removable optical disks 40 and magnetic disks 42 , respectively.
- the optical disk 40 can be a CD-ROM, while the magnetic disk 42 can be a magnetic floppy disk or diskette.
- the hard disk drive 34 , optical disk drive 40 and magnetic disk drive 42 communicate with the processing unit 20 via the bus 24 .
- the hard disk drive 32 , optical disk drive 36 and magnetic disk drive 38 may include interfaces or controllers (not shown) coupled between such drives and the bus 24 , as is known by those skilled in the relevant art.
- the drives 32 , 36 and 38 , and their associated computer-readable media 34 , 40 , 42 provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the CAD workstation 16 .
- CAD workstation 16 employs hard disk 34 , optical disk 40 and magnetic disk 42 , those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other types of computer-readable media that can store data accessible by a computer may be employed, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks (“DVD”), Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc.
- Program modules can be stored in the system memory 22 , such as an operating system 44 , one or more application programs 46 , other programs or modules 48 and program data 50 .
- the system memory 16 may also include a Web client or browser 52 for permitting the CAD workstation 16 to access and exchange data with sources such as Web sites of the Internet, corporate intranets, or other networks as described below, as well as other server applications on server computers including the server computer 18 , such as those further discussed below.
- the browser 52 in the depicted embodiment is markup language based, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML) or Wireless Markup Language (WML), and operates with markup languages that use syntactically delimited characters added to the data of a document to represent the structure of the document.
- HTML Hypertext Markup Language
- XML Extensible Markup Language
- WML Wireless Markup Language
- a number of Web clients or browsers are commercially available such as NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR from America Online, and INTERNET EXPLORER available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash.
- the operating system 44 can be stored on the hard disk 34 of the hard disk drive 32 , the optical disk 40 of the optical disk drive 36 , the magnetic disk 42 of the magnetic disk drive 38 and/or other computer-readable media.
- An operator such as a mechanical engineer or technician, can enter commands and information into the CAD workstation 16 through input devices such as a keyboard 54 and a pointing device such as a mouse 56 .
- Other input devices can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, scanner, etc.
- a serial port interface that couples to the bus 24
- other interfaces such as a parallel port, a game port or a wireless interface or a universal serial bus (“USB”) can be used.
- a monitor 60 or other display device is coupled to the bus 24 via a video interface 62 ; such as a video adapter.
- the CAD workstation 16 can include other output devices, such as speakers, printers, etc.
- the CAD workstation 16 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as the server computer 18 and client computing system 12 .
- the server computer 18 can be another personal computer, a server, another type of computer, or a collection of more than one computer communicatively linked together and typically includes many or all of the elements described above for the CAD workstation 16 .
- the server computer 18 is logically connected to one or more of the client computing systems 12 and CAD workstations 16 under any known method of permitting computers to communicate, such as through a local area network (“LAN”) 64 , or a wide area network (“WAN”) or the Internet 66 .
- LAN local area network
- WAN wide area network
- Such networking environments are well known in wired and wireless enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, extranets, and the Internet.
- Other embodiments include other types of communication networks including telecommunications networks, cellular networks, paging networks, and other mobile networks.
- the CAD workstation 16 When used in a LAN networking environment, the CAD workstation 16 is connected to the LAN 64 through an adapter or network interface 68 (communicatively linked to the bus 24 ). When used in a WAN networking environment, the CAD workstation 16 may include a modem 68 or other device, such as the network interface 68 , for establishing communications over the WAN/Internet 66 .
- the modem 68 is shown in FIG. 1 as communicatively linked between the interface 58 and the WAN/Internet 66 .
- program modules, application programs, or data, or portions thereof can be stored on, or passed through, the server computer 18 .
- the CAD workstation 16 is communicatively linked to the server computer 18 through the LAN 64 or the WAN/Internet 66 with TCP/IP middle layer network protocols; however, other similar network protocol layers are used in other embodiments, such as User Datagram Protocol (“UDP”).
- UDP User Datagram Protocol
- FIG. 1 the network connections shown in FIG. 1 are only some examples of establishing communication links between computers, and other links may be used, including wireless links.
- the host computing system 14 include one or more peripheral devices for producing biomedical devices based on the digital models.
- host computing system 14 may include a 3 -dimensional printer 69 coupled to the CAD workstation 16 to receive machine instructions over the LAN 64 and/or WAN or Internet 66 .
- the client computing system 14 contains many of the same or similar structures, systems and subsystems as the CAD workstation 16 , thus only the differences will be discussed in detail.
- the client computing system 14 is communicatively linked to a first biomedical sensor, such as an MRI device 70 , typically through the LAN 64 or the WAN/Internet 66 or other networking configuration such as a direct asynchronous connection (not shown).
- the client computing system 14 may also be communicatively linked to a second biomedical sensor, such as a CT device 24 , typically through the LAN 64 or the WAN/Internet 66 or other networking configuration such as a direct asynchronous connection (not shown).
- the client computing system 14 may include more than one computer, and may include a server (not shown) for networking a number of client computers.
- the client computing system 14 may include client software applications 73 for resolving, managing or manipulating the diagnostic data from the MRI device 70 and/or CT device 72 .
- the client computing system 14 may include software applications for communicating with the CAD workstation 16 , for example, a browser 74 .
- the software applications can be stored on any of a variety of computer-readable media.
- the server computer 18 contains many of the same or similar structures, systems and subsystems as the CAD workstation 16 , thus only the differences will be discussed in detail.
- the server computer 18 includes server applications 76 for the routing of instructions, programs, data and agents between the MRI device 70 , CT device 72 , client computing system 12 and CAD workstation 16 .
- the server applications 76 may include conventional server applications such as WINDOWS NT 4.0 Server, and/or WINDOWS 2000 Server, available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.
- the server applications 76 can include any of a number of commercially available Web servers, such as INTERNET INFORMATION SERVICE from Microsoft Corporation and/or IPLANET from Netscape.
- the server computer 18 also includes one or more secure Webpages 77 , serving as a user interface (“UI”) for exchanging data, information and requests between the diagnostic and/or clinical sites and the design and/or manufacturing sites.
- the server applications 76 and/or Webpages 77 can be stored on any of a variety of computer-readable media.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B is a flow diagram showing steps of a method 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, starting in step 102 .
- Steps on the left side of the flow diagram correspond to client side operations, while steps on the right side of the flow diagram correspond to host or server side operations.
- the attending physician or assistant at the diagnostic or clinical site acquires patient information.
- Patient information can include non-radiological patient data such as a patient's gender, a patient's age, a unique patient identifier, a dosage, allergies, sensitivities to drugs, medical history and/or one or more physical dimensions such as height, weight, length, circumference.
- radiological data may be acquired using an MRI device 70 (FIG. 1), CT device 72 , ultrasound device, nuclear medicine based device, mammography device, or other transducer.
- the output from the transducer may take a variety of forms, for example, digital or analog electrical signals, or displayed or printed images.
- the client computing system 12 converts the acquired radiological data into a suitable form for transmission.
- the client computing system 12 may convert analog electrical signals into a digital representation suitable for transmission over the communications network, or the client computing system 12 may digitize a printed image.
- the transducer output will be in digital form, and thus will not require significant conversion.
- the client computing system 12 may save the radiological data into a computer hard drive, floppy disk, compact disk, or other form of data storage.
- the client computing system 12 applies any desired security measures to the radiological data and patient information, prior to transmission.
- Security may be an important feature for protecting patient confidentiality, and may even be required by current or future legislation.
- the radiological data and patient information can be encrypted, password protected and/or authenticated using digital certificates, such as by conventional public key encryption techniques.
- the client computing system 12 securely transmits the radiological data and patient information to the host computing system 14 using encryption, password protection, digital certificates and/or other methods for providing secure communications.
- the host computing system 14 receives the transmitted radiological data and patient information at the server 18 .
- the host computing system 12 decrypts, decodes and/or otherwise gains access to the radiological data and/or patient information, as required.
- the server 18 may decrypt and/or decode the radiological data and patient information before forwarding the radiological data and patient information to the CAD workstation 16 .
- the server 18 may forward the encrypted or encoded radiological data and/or patent information to the CAD workstation 16 , relying on the CAD workstation 16 to decrypt and/or decode the radiological data and/or patient information.
- the CAD workstation 16 creates a multi-dimensional digital model from the radiological data.
- the term digital is employed to clearly distinguish the abstract representation from physical models.
- the multi-dimensional digital model may take the form of a CAD solid model, surface or wire-frame representation, employing any of a variety of standard CAD formats and commercially available CAD packages, some of which are discussed below.
- the CAD workstation 16 modifies the multi-dimensional digital model, for example, based on the patient information.
- the geometry of the multi-dimensional digital model may be modified to add attachment structure, fixture points, separation markings, boundaries or surfaces between various bodily structures and/or other elements not contain in, or difficult to discern from the radiological data.
- Patient information such as gender, age, weight or height may be used to select certain characteristics using histographic or demographic information.
- the patient age and/or gender may be used to select an appropriate bone density or porosity from a database of demographic bone density or porosity information.
- the digital model can be modified to produce an appropriate bone density or porosity, and may even reflect a gradation of bone density or porosity along one or more directions.
- the host computing system 14 may rely on one or more stored transformations for modifying the digital model.
- the stored transformations can take the form of predefined scripts for executing one or more CAD functions on the digital model.
- the transformations may be selected by the operator, or may be automatically selected and applied by the host computing system 14 .
- the host computing system 14 may automatically select and apply a given transformation based on one or more pieces of the patient information.
- step 122 the host computing system 14 encrypts and/or encodes the digital model and transmits the secured digital model to the client computing system 12 .
- step 124 the client computing system 12 receives the digital model and decrypts and/or decodes the same.
- the attending physician may view the digital model, for example displaying the model on a display using standard CAD packages or limited functionality viewers for CAD files (i.e., software packages that permit viewing, but not editing).
- step 126 the client computing system 12 transmits one or more requests for modification to the host computing system 14 . As in the other communications, the requests for modification may be encrypted and/or encoded to secure the communications.
- step 128 the host computing system 14 receives the requests for modification, and decrypts and/or decodes the same.
- the CAD workstation 16 modifies the digital model based on the modification requests. The modification may require the exercise of significant skill by the CAD operator, who may be an engineer or appropriately trained technician. The CAD operator must ensure that the requested modification is implemented in a fashion consistent with the available materials, equipment and manufacturing techniques. This approach reduces or eliminates the need for the physician to understand the details of materials and/or manufacturing.
- step 132 the host computing system 14 transmits the modified digital model to the client computing system 12 , employing appropriate security measures.
- step 134 the client computing system 12 receives, decrypts and/or decodes the modified digital model. The steps 124 - 134 can be repeated until the attending physician is satisfied with the digital model.
- the client computing system 12 transmits an approval to the host computing system, indicating that the attending physician is satisfied with the digital model.
- step 138 the host computing system 14 receives the model approval from the client computing system 12 , and decrypts and/or decodes the same, if necessary.
- the CAD workstation 16 creates machine instructions from the digital model.
- step 142 the customized biometric device is manufactured using the approved digital model.
- Manufacture may employ standard computer aided manufacturing (“CAM”) techniques such as machining or molding.
- CAM computer aided manufacturing
- the manufacturing may employ 3-D printing to take advantage of the information inherent in the digital model which is not typically reproducible using standard manufacturing techniques.
- the digital model may define internal structures, different materials, densities, density gradients, pharmacological agents and the like, which may require 3-D printing to create such structure in a finished product.
- step 144 the customized biomedical device is sterilized, packaged and shipped to the physician.
- step 146 the physician receives the biomedical device, wherein the anatomically accurate biomedical device such as an implant is ready to be implanted in the patient or otherwise used.
- the method 100 terminates in step 148 .
- the starting point is the patient-specific data (i.e., radiological data, patient information), obtained from various non-invasive or invasive procedures.
- Typical non-invasive procedures from which radiological data may be obtained include diagnostic or clinical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine procedures or mammography procedures.
- MRI magnetic resonance imaging
- CT computerized tomography
- standard radiographs such as x-rays may be digitized into an electronic file by either a video camera or a film scanner.
- Yet another type of imaging equipment, which may be useful, although only for measuring external contours of the body, is a laser scanner which digitizes the contours of an external surface.
- the radiological imaging equipment is available at many medical facilities, but other equipment involved in the present invention is more specialized and may only be available at few centralized locations. This makes it useful to transmit diagnostic imaging information from the patient's location to a central site, allowing global access to otherwise limited design and manufacturing resources.
- DICOM Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine
- ACR American College of Radiology
- NEMA National Electrical Manufacturer's Association
- DICOM is based upon the Open System Interconnect (OSI) reference model, which defines a 7-layer protocol.
- Data may further be transmitted via common telephone lines (twisted pairs of copper wire), digital phone lines (ISDN, switched-56), DSL, coaxial cable, cable modem, fiber-optic cable, microwave, satellite, and T-1, T-3, OC-3, and other forms of telecommunications links.
- OSI Open System Interconnect
- data could also be transmitted, for example, by storing the data on a data storage device such as a floppy disc, compact disc, DVD disc, optical disc, magnet-optic disc, WORM (write once read many times) disc, and sending the storage device via traditional mail services.
- a data storage device such as a floppy disc, compact disc, DVD disc, optical disc, magnet-optic disc, WORM (write once read many times) disc, and sending the storage device via traditional mail services.
- Radiological data such as MRI or CT scans is normally presented as sets of two-dimensional images (sections) showing all of the patient's tissues.
- the slices in a CT scan or an MRI scan associate an intensity of brightness on the display with each coordinate location in a scan.
- darkness corresponds to absorption of X-rays, that most closely correlates with density of the tissue.
- intensity refers to the presence of certain elements.
- CT scans are considered better for imaging hard tissue such as bone, and MRI scans are considered better for imaging soft tissue. There may be instances in which it is advantageous to use both types of imaging together with each other.
- the diagnostic scans may need further processing. Further processing may include, for example, more clearly distinguishing between hard and soft tissue, as well as defining solid boundaries or surfaces of the hard tissue, for example, bone, in the two-dimensional planes or sections in which the MRI or CT scans typically are presented. Identifying the edges or surfaces of bone can be achieved by appropriate sampling and threshold definition techniques (perhaps including contrast enhancement) and geometrical algorithms such as in the software package MIMICS (from Materialise Europe; Ann Arbor, Mich.). This initially processed data may further be converted to a form that geometrically represents a multi-dimensional form representing an object.
- Such mathematical representations typically feature curved surfaces with resolution available to almost any desired precision anywhere on the surface, not only at locations which were part of the scan planes of the original MRI or CT data.
- radiological data e.g., MRI or CT scans
- data is available at sampling planes which are parallel to each other and are spaced apart at intervals of 1 to 2 millimeters, which is coarser than the feature size typically desired in a custom manufactured implant.
- This increased or improved level of geometric detail is achieved through, for example, the use of interpolation, curve fitting, spline fitting, and surface fitting.
- a solid model is a geometric description of the entire surface of a solid object, where solid portions border empty space, as opposed to a description of the interior or solid region of the object.
- Solid surfaces are represented by patching together descriptions of individual portions of the surface together with definitions of intersections or regions in which each description applies.
- the descriptions of individual surface regions can in simple instances be segments of simple geometries such as planes, spheres, cylinders, toroids or other revolved surfaces. More generally the descriptions of individual surface regions can be curved surfaces of varieties such as bilinear surfaces, Coon's patch, bicubic patch, Bezier surfaces, B-spline surfaces, non-uniform rational B-spline (“NURBS”) surfaces, interpolation surfaces, and others as are known in the art.
- NURBS non-uniform rational B-spline
- Intersections between surfaces can be described as series of intersection points.
- This information can be stored in file formats such as Initial Graphics Exchange Specifications (“IGES”), which is defined by ANSI Standard Y144.26M, and Standard for the Exchange of Product (“STEP”) model data.
- IGES Initial Graphics Exchange Specifications
- STEP Standard for the Exchange of Product
- DXF Drawing Interchange Format
- Such models underlie most of the CAD software used for engineering and design of mechanical parts.
- the multi-dimensional digital model essentially becomes just another data set or mathematical object capable of being further processed or manipulated by standard CAD software.
- Suitable CAD software packages for further processing the digital model include SolidWorks (SolidWorks, Concord Mass.) and ProEngineer (Parametric Technologies, Waltham, Mass.).
- radiological data is combined from more than one type of scan, such as MRI and CT.
- one challenge is to determine the appropriate relative position and orientation of the models obtained from the two methods.
- One approach is to employ the CAD software's ability to calculate the centroid of a solid object. Aligning centroids of objects resulting from different types of scans is one way of comparing them. Alternatively, or in conjunction with aligning the centroids, the parts can be aligned as far as angular orientation.
- Another approach employs the CAD software's ability to mathematically subtract one model from the other, for example, by a Boolean operation, to obtain a set of space representing points which are members of one model or the other model but not both.
- the volume is calculated by the CAD software. When the volume of this spatial difference is minimized, the best alignment of the two parts has been achieved. After the best alignment is achieved, a combination or average of the two scan results could be calculated and used for the best representation of the surfaces.
- the digital model created so far from diagnostic data may be, for example, a model of existing bone structure in a patient's body.
- a decision must be made as to whether the part which is to be manufactured corresponds to solid regions displayed in a diagnostic scan (i.e., if the part is a replacement part), or if it corresponds to voids displayed in a diagnostic scan (i.e., if it is a filler piece). If the part is a replacement part, it is possible that all of its edges are defined by edges of existing bone that is already represented by the digital model.
- edges can be mathematically defined by Boolean operations in the CAD program where the part adjoins pieces that are already defined as solid (e.g., existing bones). Where the new part adjoins soft tissue, the CAD operator may have to define the edges. A mating bone may be removed or moved to a new position in the digital model.
- auxiliary software such as software that is typically used by plastic and cosmetic surgeons to predict external body appearance may be used.
- CAD software allows geometric manipulation of an original design of a part such as to add material in certain locations or to remove material in certain locations for reasons of strength, appearance, cosmetic appeal, and the like.
- features could be added to the digital model, involving either removal or addition of material, such as features that pertain to attachment of the new part to bones or structures such as those already existing in the body.
- This could be, for examples, a hole for bone screws.
- An attachment feature may include a cut, protrusion, hole, or specific dimension in a specific region of the biomedical device.
- Replacement of a portion of or a complete jawbone may require planning not only for the implant of the bone itself into the jaw, but also for later implantation of artificial teeth or endosseous implants into the implant.
- Yet another modification could include-designating dimensional reference points in the implant for use during surgery for locating the intended position of the part with respect to a template or other references, or for measuring dimensions radiologically after implantation.
- the same computerized information could be used to manufacture models out of ordinary non-sterile, non-biocompatible materials of the surgical site and/or implants, for purposes of visualization or surgical planning. Creating digital models advantageously allows trying out different surgical approaches, attachment points, final cosmetic fit and the like.
- Creating digital models also allows templates, tools or similar related surgical hardware to be designed with the design of the implant. Those related surgical hardware items could then be supplied to the customer together with the implant, either custom made or selected from a range of sizes available from stock. It might be desirable for the surface of the implant to have a surface texture or pattern designed in to the multi-dimensional digital model as a feature not included in the radiological data.
- Yet another geometric modification could be changing the digital model, for example, enlarging the entire part by a predetermined factor in all or certain directions to compensate for anticipated shrinkage during post-manufacturing processing steps. Such shrinkage is known in the art, along with how to compensate for it.
- the required software and computer facilities may be so sophisticated, expensive and/or specialized at to be unavailable at an individual physician's office.
- Use of the Internet would provide easy access to such facilities via a central site.
- the digital model may be stored, processed and transmitted in the form of an IGES, STEP or similar file, as previously described.
- composition variation can be implemented in three-dimensional printing, for example, by dispensing various different binder liquids from different dispensers, with coordination of the dispensers so that their relative target points are known.
- specific chemicals in predetermined locations may be seeded into the implant during manufacturing. For example, growth factors, DNA, etc. can encourage ingrowth of bodily tissue such as bone at designated places.
- Comb polymers can encourage or discourage various types of cells from locating in designated places, as can modifiers of surface hydrophobicity. Porosity of the final product can also be designed in as a variable.
- CAD software is capable of automatically checking for mechanical interferences and can further assess the assemblability.
- the assemblability includes, for example, the assembly sequences, geometric tolerances and tolerance stack-up, design clearances, insertion and motion paths for parts as they are moved into place, all of which are directed toward avoiding interferences of ordinary mechanical parts as they are being assembled.
- sections of the digital models can be calculated in orientations that resemble those of the original diagnostic radiographs for purposes of comparison.
- the physician and/or patient can view what a CT, MRI, simple X-ray, or other diagnostic should look like after implantation of the proposed part.
- Software for visualizing the exterior of the human body such as software used for planning plastic and cosmetic surgery, could further help visualization.
- the system may incorporate modeling rules for ingrowth of bone or reabsorption of implant material into the body to simulate the time-progression of growth processes after the implant is implanted in the patient. This simulation could be transmitted back to the physician nearly instantaneously.
- a digital model can be used to create a mesh for finite element analysis, for example, stress distribution due to applied loads.
- Such analysis which is linked to the digital model derived from the patient-specific radiological data, could provide patient-unique calculated stress margins with respect to defined loads.
- Such stress analysis could, for example, be performed at the remote facility providing the modeling services. The stress analysis could be part of the process of consulting with and obtaining approval from the physician.
- the designed digital model data is transmitted back to the physician and/or patient for their review. Multiple review iterations may be performed as changes are discussed and agreement is reached with the doctor/patient.
- a system 10 that is implemented in hardware could allow a substantial number of design iterations in a short period of time particularly if it operates in near real time. Further, such a system 10 could provide the medical field a capability of concurrent design or collaborative or interactive design.
- the final digital model file can be transmitted over the Internet to the manufacturing machine if that machine is located at still another location. Thus, the computer facilities and software that process the radiological data to form the digital model do not have to be co-located with the manufacturing facility.
- various details are transmitted back to the client or physician for viewing along with the digital model. If the transmittal of proposed designs from the remote location back to the physician is done by files such as IGES or STEP, it will be possible to transmit as much geometric detail as desired, but it may not be possible to transmit much compositional detail such as distributions of color on the surface, or other compositional variation such as placement of bioactive substances. IGES would be more limiting than STEP in this respect. If the transmission of data is done with proprietary file formats, it may require that the physician use a particular CAD software for viewing the image of the proposed part.
- the physician may not be necessary for the physician to have a complete license to the CAD software used in making the patient-unique digital model; since many software packages offer simplified versions having the capability of opening and viewing files generated by the program, but without the ability to modify such files.
- the computer terminal at the physician could simply be configured as a remote user of the software that is installed at the host computing system 14 (FIG. 1).
- Encryption, password protection and digital certificate authentication is desirable in any such data transmission. Transmission of approval from the physician to the manufacturer can be stored with the file containing the agreed-upon design, forming a record of the same.
- Three-dimensional printing involves selectively bonding together powder in successively deposited layers to form generalized solid shapes.
- Three dimensional printing processes are detailed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,204,055, 5,387,380, 5,807,437, 5,340,656, 5,490,882, 5,814,161, 5,490,962, 5,518,680, and 5,869,170, all hereby incorporated by reference.
- three-dimensional printing there are two principal ways of depositing a layer of powder. In some cases a roller spreads a layer of dry powder.
- a continuously dispensing jet moving back and forth in a raster pattern until an entire layer is deposited deposits a layer of slurry typically.
- the latter method is typically used for depositing relatively thin layers of relatively small particle dimension powder, compared to roller spreading. Either method could be used for present purposes depending on requirements for feature size, mechanical strength of the finished part, and other variables as are known in the art.
- the choice of binder liquid is also of importance and is selected for particular applications as is known in the art.
- the binder liquid can be dispensed by a drop-on-demand print head, which may be a piezoelectric print head, or a continuous-jet-with-deflection printhead, or others as are known in the art.
- the equipment Since the intended process is for medical use, the equipment must include certain medical-specific features. For example, the equipment and/or end product may need to be sterile. Furthermore, the use of printing materials, including powder, binder and any subsequent filling, infusing or other processing materials, should be compatible with the human body. Biocompatible substances for all these materials are known in the art.
- the slices which are the manufacturing instructions bear a general resemblance to the scan planes which make up an MRI scan or CT scan, but there are important differences.
- the slices in an MRI or CT scan are acquired diagnostic data.
- the slices that are manufacturing instructions are processed data containing additional information.
- the slices that are the manufacturing instructions are typically spaced at the layer thickness of powder spreading, rather than at the scan planes interval of MRI or CT. Quite possibly, the powder layer spacing interval is much smaller than the scan plane interval of the MRI or CT.
- the angular orientation at which the manufacturing slices are taken does not need to have any particular orientation with respect to the angular orientation of the scan planes of MRI or CT.
- the scan planes are for convenience of diagnostic imaging, and the manufacturing slices are for convenience of manufacturing.
- the slices in a CT scan or an MRI scan associate with each coordinate location in a scan and an intensity of brightness on the display.
- darkness corresponds to absorption of X-rays that is most closely correlated with density of the tissue.
- intensity refers to the presence of certain chemical elements. Both of these types of quantities can have a whole range of values (i.e., analog).
- the print instructions for any given coordinate location are in many cases essentially binary, instructing particular dispensers to either dispense or not dispense.
- Generating the machine instructions includes mathematically taking a cross-section of the digital model at locations corresponding to the layers of the three-dimensional printing process.
- the machine instructions describe the entire interior solid structure of the part, whereas the digital model merely describes the surface.
- Generating the machine instructions for each coordinate point or voxel in the powder array or printing region include determining whether that coordinate point is to be bound powder and therefore part of the solid or is to be left as unbound powder and therefore empty space the final part.
- a voxel is a unit of graphic or physical modeling information that defines a point in three-dimensional space. For example, in 3-D space, each of the coordinates may be defined in terms of its position, color, and density. Voxels are commonly used as the smallest individually addressable element in medical imaging and three-dimensional printing applications.
- the motion of the printhead as it moves along the fast axis can be considered a line or a ray that intersects the digital model. This is especially true for raster printing, in which the motion of the printhead is always along a straight line, as opposed to vector printing, in which the motion of the printhead can be a curved path. That intersection can be mathematically calculated to indicate for each point or printing location along the ray whether that point should have a dispense command or no command. This process is called ray casting, and basically amounts to mathematically calculating intersections between lines and the digital model. For example, each intersection point between the ray and the surface can be characterized as an entry or an exit.
- the machine instructions include instructions to dispense or not to dispense binder liquid at each of many locations in the printing plane, usually in a grid format.
- more than one binder or dispensed liquid may be involved in order to dispense different substances at different locations.
- the independent instructions for each available binder liquid instruct whether to dispense or not to dispense at a particular location. This can further include a check to prevent certain multiple dispensing of binders at given locations.
- the machine instructions at each possible printing point are a series of binary (i.e., yes-or-no) instructions for each of the available dispensers.
- the machine instruction file also contains compositional information relating to the situation where more than one binder substance is dispensed onto the powder.
- biomedical devices such as implants that yield at least superior dimensional matching to the patient's body and hence should promote superior tissue and bone ingrowth as compared to conventional methods.
- the biomedical devices of the present invention are anatomically accurate, thus providing an optimal fit with the patient's anatomy, which should promote healing.
- internal microarchitectures can be designed into the biomedical device to promote, guide, or discourage ingrowth of bone or other tissue in specific places.
- the configuration of the architecture provides an environment beneficial to and optimized to cell ingrowth, and further can be designed to create a unique cell-surface interface that facilitates rapid and specific cell migration into the biomedical device.
- the biomedical device is manufactured such as by three-dimensional printing. It is then inspected, sterilized if required, packaged, and delivered to the user.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B is a schematic diagram further illustrating the flow of data between remote sites and a central site, and showing an alternate embodiment in accordance with the present invention that allows the option of customized manufacture of the biomedical device or customized selection of the biomedical device from a set of pre-designed and possible pre-manufactured biomedical devices on a best fit basis.
- a central site 300 receives patient specific data 304 from remote sites 302 a , 302 b , 302 c , processes some of the data 304 , interacts with remote sites 302 a , 302 b , 302 c , and is involved in the manufacturing and shipping of parts to remote sites 302 a , 302 b , 302 c .
- the central site 300 receives and processes patient specific data 304 such as patient information 306 and radiological data 308 such as an MRI or CT scan data.
- the central site 300 can also receive and process product specifications and product design requirements 310 , which are integrated at the central site 300 .
- Processing of the raw patient data 306 such as the CT/MRI scan data 308 and patient information 306 , together with the product specifications 310 involves transmission of data via the Internet, intranet, extranet or other communications network and can involve interaction with the patient and/or physician so as to determine choices of features of the biomedical device such as an implant to be selected or manufactured.
- the central site 300 creates a multi-dimensional digital model 312 of the proposed biomedical device, incorporating additional details or features not included in the radiological data 308 , as previously described.
- the use of network computer communications also permits return transmittal of information from the central location to the doctor/patient at the remote sites 302 a , 302 b , 302 c.
- step 314 the central site 300 determines whether the biomedical device will be custom designed and/or manufactured, or whether the biomedical device will be custom selected from a number of existing designs and/or manufactures.
- Each approach has unique advantages, as described below in reference to the specific implementations.
- biomedical device design is performed interactively or collaboratively in nearly real-time by iteratively customizing the digital model, such as shown in step 316 .
- This allows the physician to make suggestions and the CAD operator such as a clinical design engineer, to implement the suggestions, even if the physician is located a great distance away from the CAD operator.
- the CAD operator can apply specialized knowledge in materials and structures in implementing the suggestions. This collaboration is facilitated by the use of the Internet or similar interactive telecommunication network.
- Information may be transmitted back to the treating physician showing how a proposed device would fit into the patient's body.
- the digital model may include patient tissue and structure surrounding the biomedical device, to assist in visualizing the fit.
- the dimensions of the reconstructive, augmentative, rehabilitative or cosmetic device are probably the most common subject of customization, there are also other parameters which may also be interactively tried and sampled and viewed between physically separated locations, such as material composition of the implant, gradients of properties, porosity, additives, color, and the like. Such visualizations can be returned via the computer network to the physician for evaluation.
- Such a system particularly if it operates in near real-time, could allow a substantial number of design iterations in a short period of time, and could provide the a capability of concurrent design or collaborative or interactive design.
- such information may be generally useful in planning surgery, and patient post-operative appearance.
- step 318 the central site determines whether or not the design has been accepted or approved, typically based on a decision by the physician. If not accepted or approved, the central site 300 allows the interactive design process to continue, returning to step 316 . If accepted or approved, the central site 300 initiates the manufacture activity. At this point the digital model resulting from the consultative process is translated into manufacturing instructions in step 319 , as previously described. The central site 300 executes various configuration management and control operations in step 320 , for example, ensuring that sufficient materials are available, ordering replacement materials, and entering the specific biomedical device order into a manufacturing work flow. In step 322 , the central site 300 custom manufactures the biomedical device, according to the machine instructions.
- the manufactured biomedical device can be digitized, for example via a laser scanner, mechanical touch probe, or other geometry acquisition device.
- step 326 the results compared to the digital model to verify the product geometry and patient fit. If the verification is unsuccessful, control returns to step 316 and the process is repeated. If the verification is successful, the central site 300 ships the biomedical device to the appropriate remote site 302 a , 302 b , 302 c , in step 328 .
- the digital model is compared to “in-stock” biomedical devices or designs to find a best fit device based on a patient's unique data.
- the digital model is compared to a number of standard designs at the central site 300 .
- the one of the standard biomedical devices is selected for the patient on a best fit basis at the central site 300 .
- the selected biomedical device is scanned and, in step 326 the results compared to the digital model to verify the product geometry and patient fit. If the verification is unsuccessful, control returns to step 330 and the process is repeated.
- the central site 300 ships the biomedical device to the appropriate remote site 302 a , 302 b , 302 c , in step 326 .
- the selected biomedical device can be shipped directly from stock, if available, or manufactured according to a predefined set of machine instructions.
- the steps 332 and/or 326 will typically include receiving approval or agreement from the physician. Upon final agreement, the biomedical device is retrieved from stock, if available, or manufactured to order, but with less specific labor and effort than is involved in a fully customized design. Depending on various factors such as price, timing, and the location in the body, customization can include a best fit from standardized sizes and/or one of a kind customized construction.
- a completely customized biomedical device will likely have the best possible match to a patient's own dimensions. However, only one or a small number of copies would likely be made. Thus, the cost of producing the fully customized digital model is completely borne by one patient or insurer.
- a fully customized implant is not necessary, there are two possible approaches. One is to supply a biomedical device that is fully customized for another patient who closely resembles the current patient. The cost could be significantly reduced, although the fit will not be as good.
- An even lower cost alternative employs a set or series of generic digital models, not necessarily derived from the specific data of any particular patient. The resulting biomedical devices would not fit as well as a customized biomedical device, however these parts could be manufactured simultaneously at lower manufacturing costs than patient specific customized parts.
- the present invention's use of an electronic design and manufacturing model also permits additional advantages such as compilation of databases or profiles for individual physicians and/or hospitals or for individual patients, inventory control, record-keeping and billing, product design updates and client feedback, and follow-up notices to users. Such information can be maintained on a secure Web site, available to appropriate categories of users such as through the use of passwords or similar access restrictions.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow of data and other information to a Website 400 for implementing the present invention according to one illustrated embodiment.
- the Website 400 can be hosted on one or more computers, such as the server computer 18 (FIG. 1). Access to the Website 400 or appropriate portions of the Website for specific users or categories of users can be controlled by passwords or similar methods, including biometric verification.
- passwords or similar methods including biometric verification.
- encryption, password protection and/or digital certificate authentication could be used for all data transmissions.
- the secure Web site 400 is created to allow for the management of information and data between clients at one location and designers, engineers and/or manufacturers at another location.
- Clients may include medical providers such as physicians, oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons orthopedic surgeons or other surgeons.
- the information and data may be organized as patient profiles 402 stored in a patient profile database 404 .
- the patient profile database 402 may include orders for reconstructive implants, as well as directions and review by the attending physician or surgeon.
- the patient profile database 402 may also maintain patient records and histories.
- the secure Web site 400 accepts the input of patient specific data (i.e., radiological data and/or patient information) 406 , and facilitates the management of imaging data such as an MRI/CT radiological data.
- the secure Web site 400 receives patient data 404 , including specific imaging data such as MRI/CT files which provide the basis for developing the customized biomedical devices.
- the Web site 400 receives initial digital models 408 and modified digital models 410 from the designers. As discussed above, the initial digital models 408 are develop based on the patient data 406 , particular the radiological data.
- the Web site 400 provides an interface for managing, accessing and displaying the digital models 408 , 410 of the biomedical devices such as implants.
- the digital models are stored in a model database 412 .
- the interface is available to the designers, engineers, manufactures, physicians and surgeons to the degree necessary for each to perform their assigned tasks.
- the interface may contain separate components or subsets, each accessible by only a subset of users. These components or subsets may take the form of specialized Webpages that are tailored to the unique tasks of each individual based on the individual's assigned role.
- the separate components or subsets also provide a way to limit access to information based on assigned role. Thus, for example, it is possible to not only deny access to information, but to even prevent a user from determining that such information exists, since a particular component or subset may omit any icons associated with a particular piece of information.
- the Web site 400 also provides an interface for receiving and managing client interaction 414 .
- Client interaction 414 may take the form of an initial proposal for the design of a product for a patient.
- the Web site 400 may also receive client interaction 414 in the form of an initial patient profile, a review of the proposed product, comments and questions regarding the product, and an approval of the final order.
- Client interaction 414 can take place directly through the Web site 400 , for example electronically via http requests or email. Additionally, or alternatively, the client interaction 414 can take place indirectly through communications with, customer service personnel 415 , for example telephonically, electronically via email, in-person, or through traditional mail routes.
- Customer service 415 responds to inquiries regarding customized biomedical devices as well as matching product designs to patient data 406 , and generally facilitating the ordering process. Customer service 415 also may provide electronic mail updates or alerts regarding the biomedical devices, may respond to client's queries via telephone, mail, or electronic mail, and may facilitate direct sales.
- the Website 400 receives back office information 416 from internal company information systems.
- the back office information 416 allows the Website 400 to control implant data, maintain order status through delivery, control inventory, perform Web management, and perform billing.
- the secure Web site 400 provides a central information exchange platform.
- the client can view the final product design as embodied in a digital model 410 via the a component or subset of the secure Web site 400 prior to manufacture and/or shipment. Records and files can be stored as back office information 416 in the internal information systems for future reference.
- the secure Web site 400 may also allow the client to directly input specifications, requests, or parameters or requests such as requests for modifications.
- the Website 400 can maintain a permanent record of the physician's instructions in ordering the part.
- a secure central Website 400 can be used for comparing data taken on a given-patient at different times, to obtain specific dimensional comparisons or changes.
- data is taken at a series of imaginary planes through a patient's body, with the planes typically being spaced from each other by a distance of 1 to 2 mm.
- the positioning of the patient is likely not the same each time, and even if it were, the position of the imaginary planes at which scans are taken would not be the same.
- a digital model involves defining boundaries such as between soft tissue and bone, by defining the edges of bone, and then in all dimensions fitting curves to define the surfaces of the bone throughout space. These boundaries are not inherent in the radiological data, and thus must be added in creating the multi-dimensional digital model.
- Comparing two different digital models may provide evidence of reabsorption or deterioration of bone indicating need for intervention, or evidence of normal growth, or evidence of ingrowth as a way of monitoring recovery after surgery. In the case of an implant made of reabsorbable material, this may provide a way of monitoring the extent of reabsorption. It may also be useful, as described earlier, to compare MRI and CT scans taken from the same patient, at either the same or different times. Having the facility of a central Website 400 (FIG. 4) makes this easier and provides a capability which might not be available at every physician's office.
- Bone density might be able to be compared as an indicator, for example, of osteoporosis or other degenerative condition.
- Even local chemical composition which is one of the strengths of MRI as a diagnostic technique, might be able to be compared or analyzed.
- time-variation or progression to be studied which may include various stages in the progression of a degenerative disease, followed by design of a custom implant, followed by noting the appearance after implantation of the custom implant, followed by monitoring any changes in nearby bone after implantation, and even including indication of how much reabsorption has taken place in the case of a reabsorbable implant.
- the computer facilities for creating multi-dimensional digital models from individual CT or MRI scans may not exist in every physician's office, and similarly the computer facilities for comparing two different digital models and detecting small dimensional changes are even less likely to exist in every physician's office.
- the use of telecommunication such as the Internet provides the availability of such services to any location having appropriate communication facilities, regardless of geographic location.
- measuring the remaining size of the implantable drug delivery device could provide indication of how much drug has been delivered so far.
- communication with the central Website or facility it would be desirable for communication with the central Website or facility to be encrypted, password protected and/or authenticated using digital certificates as mentioned earlier and as is known in the art.
- the present invention may be used in a way which does not involve manufacturing to order, but rather involves selecting the best fit from a stock of already-manufactured components or designs. While selection from stock does not provide all of the advantages of manufacturing completely customized parts to order, it nevertheless would provide some degree of customization that might be adequate for certain purposes. It also would be even faster than fully customized manufacture.
- the central Website 400 would still receive radiographic data pertaining to a specific patient, and could assist in deciding which stock item should be used. The selected stock item are shipped to the physician.
- the central Website 400 would have further usefulness in that it could be used for maintaining records of inventory, records of rates of use, and could indicate the need for replenishing items which are out of stock or nearly out of stock. Of course, similarly, for custom manufacturing, the Website 400 could still help to maintain inventories of predict usage patterns and inventories of raw materials.
- One application of the present invention includes the providing of reconstructive or cosmetic implants to augment the bony material of the human jaw.
- the bone gradually disappears by reabsorbing back into the body because of lack of mechanical stimulation or for other reasons.
- Buildup of the jaw with replacement bone from the same person (autograft) or from cadavers (allograft) can remedy this problem but typically this is only a temporary solution because over several years the grafted bone reabsorbs for the same reasons that the original bone reabsorbed.
- One solution is to implant a custom-shaped piece of artificial bone at least part of which is made of a material that is not reabsorbable.
- a binder that may be dispensed onto hydroxyapatite powder to build parts is an aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid (PAA).
- PAA polyacrylic acid
- the “green” (uncured) ceramic part is heated to decompose the binder and then heated to a higher temperature to cause sintering thus fusing particles together.
- the porous sintered ceramic may then be infused with a polymer to further enhance its mechanical strength, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
- PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
- the alveolar ridge is not the only body part for which it may be useful to manufacture replacement pieces of possibly custom-shaped bone-like material possibly including Internet transfer of data to provide exceptionally fast response and delivery time.
- Other possible body parts, shapes and devices include: cranial plugs; cheeks; mandible onlay; mandible extension; chin; nose; dental plug; external ear; gauze; orbital implants; orbital floor; orbital wall; orbital rims; orbital socket; croutons; wedges; plates; sheets; blocks; dowels, spine cage inserts; Screws; tacks; custom pieces; cartilage; and soft tissue.
- body parts are not meant as a complete or limiting list; others are also possible.
- croutons refers to pieces of bone-like material used during surgery to fill voids in bone such as in piecing together complex fractures, to improve the likelihood of successful healing. They serve as building blocks. Their shapes may be standard or custom or a hybrid and they may or may not include features for attachment. Wedges, sheets, plates, blocks and dowels are basic shapes similar to croutons. Orbital implants, rims, sockets, floors and walls are portions of the bone near the eye. Dental plugs are small pieces of bone substitute that could be placed at the site of a tooth extraction. A cranial plug would be used to fill a hole made in the skull for surgical purposes.
- Suitable materials are poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and similar polyesters. Suitable printing techniques take advantage of the solubility of these materials in chloroform.
- Implantable drug delivery devices contain drugs and are made of a material that slowly degrades or dissolves in the body. Their function is to release drug gradually as they dissolve. The time scale of drug release is typically of the order of months, perhaps many months. Implantable drug delivery devices would typically be implanted by a relatively minor implantation procedure.
- Surgical leave-behinds that might contain and release drugs.
- a surgical leave-behind is placed in a patient's body as a surgical incision is being closed, with the intention that it release drugs as it dissolves.
- Surgical leave-behinds are essentially a form of implantable drug delivery devices, which is implanted during a surgical procedure that is performed primarily for other reasons. Their designed release period is determined by the time scale of processes that take place during wound healing and recovery from surgery and is typically measured in days.
- the method of the present invention can also be used to quickly generate and deliver tissue scaffolds of customized shape, composition, and the like.
- a tissue scaffold is a device having some porosity or internal voids which are designed so that cells tend to grow into them. In some instances cells are seeded into the scaffold in advance of when the device is to be implanted in a person's body, and are allowed to grow for a period of time in an environment conducive to their growth, such as a bioreactor. Often the scaffold is designed to dissolve or be absorbed by the body or the surrounding medium over a certain period of time, which provides further spaces into which cells may grow.
- the geometry or architecture of a tissue scaffold has a significant effect on how well cells grow into it.
- the overall dimensions and geometry of the scaffold may be something that needs to be designed for the dimensions of an individual patient, or other features of it may need to be customized for an individual patient.
- Other features of the design of a tissue scaffold which may affect its success in growing cells include composition of bulk materials and surfaces, deposition in specific places of surface-active agents which may either increase or decrease hydrophobicity, and deposition in specific places of bioactive materials, such as growth factors, and peptides.
- Use of the Internet for data transmission, possibly including patient-specific data, together with use of the rest of the techniques disclosed herein, can significantly speed up the availability time of custom-made or patient-specific tissue scaffolds.
- the present invention provides a new method of rapid design and manufacture of custom pharmaceuticals drugs such as Oral Dosage Forms (ODF) (pills), short-run applications to meet small, acute or emergency needs via transmission of data over computer networks.
- ODF Oral Dosage Forms
- the process would be what has already been described but simpler in that it would not require transmission of any detailed graphical data either from or to a physician.
- Today most simple pills of common pharmaceuticals are of constant composition throughout and are made by pressing powder into a tablet shape.
- Compliance of patients would be increased by anything that decreases the number of pills that must be taken and/or decreases the number of times per day that pills must be taken. This may be useful, for example, in connection with treating either elderly or very young patients. For example, it may be desirable to combine, in one oral dosage form, a first medication with another medication to counteract side effects of the first medication (e.g., nausea).
- the manufacturing of the ODF can be done by three dimensional printing, layering of premade sheets, or some combination of the these or related techniques.
- the present invention allows the prescribing physician to transmit the desired prescription for specified active pharmaceutical ingredient(s), dosages, and customized release profile and/or sequence via a computer network, such as the Internet, to a manufacturing location, and have pills manufactured to order with the prescribed quantity and release profile of active pharmaceutical ingredients. These customized pharmaceuticals can then be delivered directly to the patient.
- a computer network such as the Internet
- a secure Web site can serve many related functions relating to record keeping of a patient's usage of pharmaceuticals, recording the issuance of prescriptions from physicians, checking for interactions with other drugs which the patient may be taking, refilling a prescription or limiting the number of refills of a prescription, and sending follow-up notices to either the physician or the patient.
- Billing can also be accomplished through such a Web site, and interaction between the physician, patient, and insurance company can be facilitated.
- Product design updates, client feedback and follow-up notices to users can also be accomplished through such a Web site, as can generation of statistical data.
- This method can include transmittal of information back to the prescriber at the time of prescribing, before finalizing of the order, or later. Such information can be maintained on a secure Web site that is made available to appropriate categories of users, possibly including the use of encryption, passwords, and/or digital certificates.
- implants which would be defined as objects which are totally enclosed inside the body when they are put into use
- the same techniques could also be used for manufacturing tooth substitutes or parts of teeth via communication of dimensional information to a distant site for manufacture. This could be done either in conjunction with reconstruction of maxillofacial bone products as already described, or separately. In the case of separately, it could be used to fabricate objects, e.g., dental implants, dental onlays, dental inlays, dental crowns, dental caps, etc., i.e., objects which are not at all enclosed by the skin of the body and which are visible when installed.
- the original medical imaging data is collected from the patient by the radiologist or surgeon using commercially available scanning devices.
- the radiologist or surgeon may employ commercially available CT and MRI scanning devices.
- CT and MRI scans are arrays of two-dimensional images that each represent a specific scanning slice through the patient. Resolution of images as well as the slice thickness is determined by the physician or radiologist and is a function of radiation dosage to the subject, size of the region to be scanned and required scan resolution.
- the anatomical data 500 is then imported into Materialise MIMICS software.
- Each slice is represented by variations in the gray scale of the image.
- the contrasts of the images are adjusted to aid in the separation of bone from soft tissue by establishing appropriate threshold values.
- Working layer by layer the anatomical regions of interest are isolated.
- the software allows for inter-plane linear interpolation or cubic spline convolution calculations in order to decrease the slice thickness of the data set.
- a three-dimensional volume model 502 of the anatomical data results. From there the data can be output as either a Stereolithography Interface Format (“STL”) file or as a point cloud file 504 , as shown in FIG. 7.
- STL Stereolithography Interface Format
- the Paraform software can be used to smooth the surfaces of the model.
- STL files appear as mesh, often forming sharp points.
- the software allows the user to sculpt and smooth the mesh.
- lines are drawn and formed onto the mesh 506 , as shown in FIG. 8. (In this case the teeth from the scan were removed to reveal the underlying alveolar ridge.) These lines become the borders of surfaces that will be formed onto the mesh. All of these steps allow the user to control the level of detail of each surface. Once all of the surfaces are joined together forming a “water tight” body, the geometry can now be made into a solid and then exported to the CAD software for further manipulation, for example as a Parasolid file.
- the CAD software allows dimensional control of features. Prior to this point, the data was similar to clay being formed into the proper shape. Here, each feature (cut, protrusion, etc.) has a defined size and shape. Using physical markers, the geometry can be accurately defined or modified per the required specifications.
- the parts that are to be fabricated are assembled together within SolidWorks. As shown in FIG. 10, each individual part or subassembly are placed and oriented within an assembly. This is the orientation that will be printed.
- the mandible section 512 is assembled with two other blocks 514 , 516 that are typically used for mechanical testing.
- the assembly is then scanned using a Therics ray casting application that is an add-on module to SolidWorks.
- the operator specifies the increments and starting positions along the X and Z axes. These represent, respectively, the spacing between scan lines or line spacing, and the layer thickness to slice the model. For each unique combination of X and Z increment values, a ray is cast through the assembly and surface intersection points are captured.
- a file is output, shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, that uniquely identifies the scanned assembly, the scan parameters, and the set of intersection points that were identified.
- the following example demonstrates a scan of the assembly previously discussed including mandible section and two test blocks.
- the header information for the ray casting output is bolded in the example file. It includes such information as the assembly file name, save date, operator, date/time of scan, a list of the bodies in the assembly, and the scan parameters used.
- the actual intersection points encountered during the scanning process include the Cartesian point of intersection, the normal values of the intersection point, the body intersected, and the type of intersection.
- intersection of a ray with a surface is when a ray enters and exits the surface, producing FACE ENTER and FACE EXIT intersection points. These points are used in generating the print job.
- the ray casting function also detects intersections with edges, vertices and tangencies. These additional types of intersection may prove useful in the future for optimization of the scanning process.
- the output file from the ray casting utility is imported into an application to generate a print job for fabrication.
- the surface intersection points that share the same Z value and intersected part are paired into series of rasters.
- a series of machine instructions are generated that instruct the target machine on how to coordinate its motions and print patterning.
- An exemplary set of instructions are illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, where the instructions “F” and “G” are grouped together to represent forward and reverse passes of the printhead.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B An exemplary set of instructions are illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, where the instructions “F” and “G” are grouped together to represent forward and reverse passes of the printhead.
- the “P” instruction that determines which valves of the printhead are active
- printing sweeps are formed. Every print job will consist of interspersed layer spread commands represented by the “M” instruction, and a series of sweeps. Each layer spread and series of sweeps will reproduce one slice or layer of the parts during fabrication.
- FIG. 13 shows the three fabricated components 518 a , 518 b , 520 of the mandible that has been discussed in reference to the above example, The mandible section is fabricated separately from the two larger mandible sections.
- the client side may include a server for providing network servers to one or more client computing systems.
- the client and/or server side computing systems may include firewalls where appropriate, to provide enhanced security.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to the design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices, such as implants, drug delivery devices and/or oral dosages, and more particularly, methods and systems for rapid customization of biomedical devices using computing systems and information networks such as the Internet.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A large variety of systems and methods are known for networking computing systems. For example, the World Wide Web (“the Web”) provides an interactive computer environment allowing the exchange of information. The Web uses a collection of common protocols and file formats, including the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”), Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”), SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), and XML (eXtensible Markup Language), to enable users to obtain or exchange information from virtually anywhere in the world, via the Internet. To establish a presence on the Web, organizations construct a “Web site”which generally includes a collection of documents written in a markup language that is accessible by users using an address on the Web, called a Universal Resource Locator (“URL”). Various other networks, such as intranets and/or extranets are also being used as a channel for transmitting information.
- Communications networks have proven to be useful for transmitting information for medical applications. Telemedicine typically includes transmitting simple data, remotely monitoring patients' conditions, transmitting visual information, and even transmitting instructions to remotely operate surgical instruments or medical equipment or to provide other medical instructions in real time. Transmission of visual information is typically for diagnostics purposes, allowing medical conditions to be interpreted by specialists at a distant sites, such as is taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,027,217 and 5,655,084.
- Surgery often requires material to replace, repair or augment an anatomical body part. For example, a surgeon may employ materials such as autograft or allograft bone or other implants made from metal, plastic, ceramics or other materials. Proper dimensioning of the material, in both shape and size is important. Ill-fitting implants may be less secure, fail to bond at the mating site, or require replacement. Additionally, cosmetic considerations may be a concern depending on the location of the implant.
- In practice, a surgeon may prepare several different sizes of replacement material prior to the operation, selecting the best fitting piece during the operation. The material may be manufactured using conventional manufacturing techniques, such as machining and/or molding. Often the best fitting piece still provides a less than satisfactory fit for medical purposes. Customization of the replacement material is often left solely up to the surgeon, requiring the surgeon to adjust the shape of the material during surgery, for example, by grinding off or removing material from implants or adding filler material such as hydroxyapatite powder. Customizing the implant during the surgery lengthens the surgery, and leads to inconsistent quality, which is dependent on the surgeon's sculpting skills.
- Surgeons may use physical models or prototypes of patient anatomy prior to surgery to help visualize and prepare for the actual procedure. These prototypes typically employ low cost manufacturing techniques, such as molding. Thus, these prototypes are not of a sufficiently high quality to be used in the body, and are generally limited with respect to the variety and types of materials used. Due to manufacturing and other constraints these prototypes omit structures that are desirable in implants, but that are not necessary to the prototype's intended use in visualization. Thus, these prototypes or physical models are useful only for extra-surgical purposes, such as visualization, practice, planning, and design of templates, and are not intended for use in the body.
- Aspects of the present invention provide a method and system of rapid design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices such as implants, oral dosage pills and implantable pharmaceuticals using electronic data and modeling transmissions via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets and/or extranets; Patient information and patient-specific radiological data may be captured and transmitted via a computer network to a design and/or manufacturing site. A multi-dimensional digital model may be created based on the radiological data and patient information. Communications interchanges between a clinical/diagnostic site and a design/manufacturing site permit modification of the digital model until approved. The approved digital model may be converted into machine instructions to construct the biomedical device. Alternatively, the digital model may be employed in a best fit selection a biomedical device from a pre-existing set biomedical devices or pre-existing set of machine-instructions. Transmittal of data over computer networks may be further directed to the use of a Website to perform various client-interaction and follow-up tasks.
- One method for rapid construction of biomedical devices may be three dimensional printing. Such technology allows the manufacture of biomedical devices with a great degree of design freedom and complexity as far as dimensional design, and also as far as material composition, porosity, internal architecture, and the like, taking advantage of the information in the digital models. In particular, it may be possible to design active content into the architecture of the implant, such as drugs, DNA, growth factors, comb polymers, and the like, that can direct, promote, or discourage ingrowth of bone, soft tissues, or vascularized tissue in particular places.
- Aspects of the invention may increase the responsiveness of the biomedical device preparation and surgical planning process as well as allowing customized construction of the biomedical device. In some aspects, it may be possible to interchange data to design and dimension a biomedical device, to visualize and confirm its suitability, to manufacture it, to deliver the biomedical device to the physician and implant or use the biomedical device in a patient, all within a few days. An increase in responsiveness will have attendant benefits to patient treatment, especially emergency treatment. It may also reduce geographical restrictions on the availability of medical technology.
- In a further aspect, rapid design and/or manufacture of custom pharmaceuticals or drugs such as Oral Dosage Forms (ODF); short-run applications to meet small, acute or emergency needs; or individually designed implantable pharmaceuticals or biomedical devices, may be carried out via transmission of data over computer networks.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a biomedical device design, manufacturing and/or selection system including a client computing system and a host computing system having a server computer and a CAD workstation.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are a flow diagram showing a method of operating the biomedical device design and manufacturing selection system of FIG. 1, for rapid design and delivery of biomedical devices such as implants, dosage implants and/or oral dosages.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B is a schematic diagram showing the flow of data between remote sites and a central site, and showing an alternate embodiment in accordance with the present invention that allows the option of customized manufacture or customized selection of the biomedical device.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a centralized Website to manage data and data interactions with various parties in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a computer screen print of three views of a gray scale image of anatomical data, showing a mandible as captured by a CT or MRI imaging device.
- FIG. 6 is a computer screen print of a three dimensional volume module of the mandible of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 is a computer screen print of a point cloud file of the three dimensional volume module of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 8 is a computer screen print of a smooth mesh representation of the three dimensional volume module of the mandible of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 9 is a computer screen print of an isometric view of a solid model created from the smooth mesh representation of the mandible of FIG. 8, with a replace portion of the mandible shown removed from the remainder of the mandible.
- FIG. 10 is a computer screen print of an isometric view of a solid model of three parts including the replacement portion of the mandible and two blocks used in testing.
- FIGS. 11A and 11B is a program listing showing a set of computer-readable instructions defining header information, intersection points, and type of intersection resulting from a ray casting operation performed on the digital model of FIG. 10.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B is a program listing showing a set of computer-readable instructions for driving a three dimensional printer to create a physical copy of the digital model of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 13 is an isometric view of three physical components created according to the instructions of FIG. 12.
- In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures associated with computers, computer networks, data structures, databases and networks such as intranets, extranets and the Internet, have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the embodiments of the invention.
- Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including but not limited to.”
- The present invention is directed to the preparation of rapid-prototyped biomedical devices manufactured or selected using a patient's own diagnostic data. The biomedical devices may take the form of structural implants, drug delivery implants and/or oral dosages. The diagnostic data may take the form of radiological data, such as data resulting from magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), computer tomography (“CT”), and/or X-ray. The diagnostic data is typically acquired at a first site, while engineering and/or manufacturing services and equipment are located at a second site, remote with respect to the first site.
- Transmittal of the diagnostic data over telecommunication or computer networks can significantly reduce the time required for device preparation, enhance the surgical planning process, as well as allow the custom manufacturing of the biomedical device. Transmittal of multi-dimensional digital models of the biomedical device over telecommunications or computer networks allows the surgeon or others to visualize and confirm the suitability of the biomedical device. In addition to the biomedical device, the digital model may contain surrounding structure and/or tissue to more accurately represent the fit. Transmittal of requests for modification of the biomedical device over telecommunications or computer networks allows the manufacture and delivery of the anatomically accurate biomedical devices to the physician or surgeon, all within a few days, which is much faster than presently possible. This may greatly increase the responsiveness of the medical practice, with attendant benefits to patient treatment, especially in emergency treatment. It also reduces geographical restrictions on the availability of this medical technology, and can allow the centralization or pooling of resources, such as engineering talent and machine tools.
- FIG. 1 and the following discussion provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. Although not required, embodiments of the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program application modules, objects, or macros being executed by a computer. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, personal computers (“PCs”), network PCs, mini computers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention can be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks or modules are performed by remote processing devices, which are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
- Referring to FIG. 1, a biomedical device design and manufacturing system10 includes a
client computing system 12 and ahost computing system 14. Theclient computing system 12 may be located at a diagnostic site, such as a hospital, clinic, laboratory or doctor's office. Thehost computing system 14 may be located at a site remote from the diagnostic site, such as at a site of a biomedical device designer or manufacturer. - The
host computing system 14 includes a conventional mainframe or mini-computer, referred to herein as the computer aided design (“CAD”)workstation 16 and aserver computer 18. While shown as separate devices, the server functionality can be implemented within theCAD workstation 16, which may reduce the cost of the system 10, but may also cause an unacceptable degradation in system performance. - The
CAD workstation 16 includes aprocessing unit 20, asystem memory 22 and asystem bus 24 that couples various system components including thesystem memory 22 to theprocessing unit 20. TheCAD workstation 16 and/orserver computer 18, will at times be referred to in the singular herein, but this is not intended to limit the application of the invention to asingle CAD workstation 16 and/orserver computer 18 since in typical embodiments, there will be more than oneCAD workstation 16 and/orserver computer 18. - The biomedical device design and manufacturing system10 may employ other computers, such as conventional personal computers, where the size or scale of the system allows. The
processing unit 20 may be any logic processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. Unless described otherwise, the construction and operation of the various blocks shown in FIG. 1 are of conventional design. As a result, such blocks need not be described in further detail herein, as they will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art. - The
system bus 24 can employ any known bus structures or architectures, including a memory bus with memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus. Thesystem memory 22 includes read-only memory (“ROM”) 26 and random access memory (“RAM”) 28. A basic input/output system (“BIOS”) 30, which can form part of theROM 26, contains basic routines that help transfer information between elements within theCAD workstation 16, such as during start-up. - The
CAD workstation 16 also includes ahard disk drive 32 for reading from and writing to ahard disk 34, and anoptical disk drive 36 and amagnetic disk drive 38 for reading from and writing to removableoptical disks 40 andmagnetic disks 42, respectively. Theoptical disk 40 can be a CD-ROM, while themagnetic disk 42 can be a magnetic floppy disk or diskette. Thehard disk drive 34,optical disk drive 40 andmagnetic disk drive 42 communicate with theprocessing unit 20 via thebus 24. Thehard disk drive 32,optical disk drive 36 andmagnetic disk drive 38 may include interfaces or controllers (not shown) coupled between such drives and thebus 24, as is known by those skilled in the relevant art. Thedrives readable media CAD workstation 16. Although the depictedCAD workstation 16 employshard disk 34,optical disk 40 andmagnetic disk 42, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other types of computer-readable media that can store data accessible by a computer may be employed, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks (“DVD”), Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc. - Program modules can be stored in the
system memory 22, such as anoperating system 44, one ormore application programs 46, other programs ormodules 48 andprogram data 50. Thesystem memory 16 may also include a Web client orbrowser 52 for permitting theCAD workstation 16 to access and exchange data with sources such as Web sites of the Internet, corporate intranets, or other networks as described below, as well as other server applications on server computers including theserver computer 18, such as those further discussed below. Thebrowser 52 in the depicted embodiment is markup language based, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML) or Wireless Markup Language (WML), and operates with markup languages that use syntactically delimited characters added to the data of a document to represent the structure of the document. A number of Web clients or browsers are commercially available such as NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR from America Online, and INTERNET EXPLORER available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash. - While shown in FIG. 1 as being stored in the
system memory 22, theoperating system 44,application programs 46, other programs/modules 48,program data 50 andbrowser 52 can be stored on thehard disk 34 of thehard disk drive 32, theoptical disk 40 of theoptical disk drive 36, themagnetic disk 42 of themagnetic disk drive 38 and/or other computer-readable media. An operator, such as a mechanical engineer or technician, can enter commands and information into theCAD workstation 16 through input devices such as akeyboard 54 and a pointing device such as amouse 56. Other input devices can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, scanner, etc. These and other input devices are connected to theprocessing unit 20 through aninterface 58 such as a serial port interface that couples to thebus 24, although other interfaces such as a parallel port, a game port or a wireless interface or a universal serial bus (“USB”) can be used. Amonitor 60 or other display device is coupled to thebus 24 via avideo interface 62; such as a video adapter. TheCAD workstation 16 can include other output devices, such as speakers, printers, etc. - The
CAD workstation 16 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as theserver computer 18 andclient computing system 12. Theserver computer 18 can be another personal computer, a server, another type of computer, or a collection of more than one computer communicatively linked together and typically includes many or all of the elements described above for theCAD workstation 16. Theserver computer 18 is logically connected to one or more of theclient computing systems 12 andCAD workstations 16 under any known method of permitting computers to communicate, such as through a local area network (“LAN”) 64, or a wide area network (“WAN”) or theInternet 66. Such networking environments are well known in wired and wireless enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, extranets, and the Internet. Other embodiments include other types of communication networks including telecommunications networks, cellular networks, paging networks, and other mobile networks. - When used in a LAN networking environment, the
CAD workstation 16 is connected to theLAN 64 through an adapter or network interface 68 (communicatively linked to the bus 24). When used in a WAN networking environment, theCAD workstation 16 may include amodem 68 or other device, such as thenetwork interface 68, for establishing communications over the WAN/Internet 66. Themodem 68 is shown in FIG. 1 as communicatively linked between theinterface 58 and the WAN/Internet 66. In a networked environment, program modules, application programs, or data, or portions thereof, can be stored on, or passed through, theserver computer 18. In the depicted embodiment, theCAD workstation 16 is communicatively linked to theserver computer 18 through theLAN 64 or the WAN/Internet 66 with TCP/IP middle layer network protocols; however, other similar network protocol layers are used in other embodiments, such as User Datagram Protocol (“UDP”). Those skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize that the network connections shown in FIG. 1 are only some examples of establishing communication links between computers, and other links may be used, including wireless links. - The
host computing system 14 include one or more peripheral devices for producing biomedical devices based on the digital models. For example,host computing system 14 may include a 3-dimensional printer 69 coupled to theCAD workstation 16 to receive machine instructions over theLAN 64 and/or WAN orInternet 66. - The
client computing system 14 contains many of the same or similar structures, systems and subsystems as theCAD workstation 16, thus only the differences will be discussed in detail. Theclient computing system 14 is communicatively linked to a first biomedical sensor, such as anMRI device 70, typically through theLAN 64 or the WAN/Internet 66 or other networking configuration such as a direct asynchronous connection (not shown). Theclient computing system 14 may also be communicatively linked to a second biomedical sensor, such as aCT device 24, typically through theLAN 64 or the WAN/Internet 66 or other networking configuration such as a direct asynchronous connection (not shown). While not illustrated, theclient computing system 14 may include more than one computer, and may include a server (not shown) for networking a number of client computers. Theclient computing system 14 may include client software applications 73 for resolving, managing or manipulating the diagnostic data from theMRI device 70 and/orCT device 72. Theclient computing system 14 may include software applications for communicating with theCAD workstation 16, for example, abrowser 74. The software applications can be stored on any of a variety of computer-readable media. - The
server computer 18 contains many of the same or similar structures, systems and subsystems as theCAD workstation 16, thus only the differences will be discussed in detail. Theserver computer 18 includesserver applications 76 for the routing of instructions, programs, data and agents between theMRI device 70,CT device 72,client computing system 12 andCAD workstation 16. For example theserver applications 76 may include conventional server applications such as WINDOWS NT 4.0 Server, and/or WINDOWS 2000 Server, available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. Additionally, or alternatively, theserver applications 76 can include any of a number of commercially available Web servers, such as INTERNET INFORMATION SERVICE from Microsoft Corporation and/or IPLANET from Netscape. Theserver computer 18 also includes one or moresecure Webpages 77, serving as a user interface (“UI”) for exchanging data, information and requests between the diagnostic and/or clinical sites and the design and/or manufacturing sites. Theserver applications 76 and/orWebpages 77 can be stored on any of a variety of computer-readable media. - FIGS. 2A and 2B is a flow diagram showing steps of a
method 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, starting instep 102. Steps on the left side of the flow diagram correspond to client side operations, while steps on the right side of the flow diagram correspond to host or server side operations. Instep 104, the attending physician or assistant at the diagnostic or clinical site acquires patient information. Patient information can include non-radiological patient data such as a patient's gender, a patient's age, a unique patient identifier, a dosage, allergies, sensitivities to drugs, medical history and/or one or more physical dimensions such as height, weight, length, circumference. - In
step 106, the attending physician acquires patient-specific radiological data regarding the surgical or reconstruction site. As discussed generally above and in detail below, radiological data may be acquired using an MRI device 70 (FIG. 1),CT device 72, ultrasound device, nuclear medicine based device, mammography device, or other transducer. The output from the transducer may take a variety of forms, for example, digital or analog electrical signals, or displayed or printed images. Inoptional step 108, theclient computing system 12 converts the acquired radiological data into a suitable form for transmission. For example, theclient computing system 12 may convert analog electrical signals into a digital representation suitable for transmission over the communications network, or theclient computing system 12 may digitize a printed image. In many embodiments, the transducer output will be in digital form, and thus will not require significant conversion. After conversion, theclient computing system 12 may save the radiological data into a computer hard drive, floppy disk, compact disk, or other form of data storage. - In
step 110, theclient computing system 12 applies any desired security measures to the radiological data and patient information, prior to transmission. Security may be an important feature for protecting patient confidentiality, and may even be required by current or future legislation. For example, the radiological data and patient information can be encrypted, password protected and/or authenticated using digital certificates, such as by conventional public key encryption techniques. Instep 112, theclient computing system 12 securely transmits the radiological data and patient information to thehost computing system 14 using encryption, password protection, digital certificates and/or other methods for providing secure communications. - In step.114, the
host computing system 14 receives the transmitted radiological data and patient information at theserver 18. Instep 116, thehost computing system 12 decrypts, decodes and/or otherwise gains access to the radiological data and/or patient information, as required. Theserver 18 may decrypt and/or decode the radiological data and patient information before forwarding the radiological data and patient information to theCAD workstation 16. Alternatively, theserver 18 may forward the encrypted or encoded radiological data and/or patent information to theCAD workstation 16, relying on theCAD workstation 16 to decrypt and/or decode the radiological data and/or patient information. - In
step 118, theCAD workstation 16 creates a multi-dimensional digital model from the radiological data. The term digital is employed to clearly distinguish the abstract representation from physical models. The multi-dimensional digital model may take the form of a CAD solid model, surface or wire-frame representation, employing any of a variety of standard CAD formats and commercially available CAD packages, some of which are discussed below. - In
step 120, theCAD workstation 16 modifies the multi-dimensional digital model, for example, based on the patient information. For example, the geometry of the multi-dimensional digital model may be modified to add attachment structure, fixture points, separation markings, boundaries or surfaces between various bodily structures and/or other elements not contain in, or difficult to discern from the radiological data. Patient information such as gender, age, weight or height may be used to select certain characteristics using histographic or demographic information. For example, the patient age and/or gender may be used to select an appropriate bone density or porosity from a database of demographic bone density or porosity information. The digital model can be modified to produce an appropriate bone density or porosity, and may even reflect a gradation of bone density or porosity along one or more directions. Thehost computing system 14 may rely on one or more stored transformations for modifying the digital model. The stored transformations can take the form of predefined scripts for executing one or more CAD functions on the digital model. The transformations may be selected by the operator, or may be automatically selected and applied by thehost computing system 14. For example, thehost computing system 14 may automatically select and apply a given transformation based on one or more pieces of the patient information. - In
step 122, thehost computing system 14 encrypts and/or encodes the digital model and transmits the secured digital model to theclient computing system 12. Instep 124, theclient computing system 12 receives the digital model and decrypts and/or decodes the same. The attending physician may view the digital model, for example displaying the model on a display using standard CAD packages or limited functionality viewers for CAD files (i.e., software packages that permit viewing, but not editing). Instep 126, theclient computing system 12 transmits one or more requests for modification to thehost computing system 14. As in the other communications, the requests for modification may be encrypted and/or encoded to secure the communications. - In
step 128, thehost computing system 14 receives the requests for modification, and decrypts and/or decodes the same. Instep 130, theCAD workstation 16 modifies the digital model based on the modification requests. The modification may require the exercise of significant skill by the CAD operator, who may be an engineer or appropriately trained technician. The CAD operator must ensure that the requested modification is implemented in a fashion consistent with the available materials, equipment and manufacturing techniques. This approach reduces or eliminates the need for the physician to understand the details of materials and/or manufacturing. Instep 132, thehost computing system 14 transmits the modified digital model to theclient computing system 12, employing appropriate security measures. Instep 134, theclient computing system 12 receives, decrypts and/or decodes the modified digital model. The steps 124-134 can be repeated until the attending physician is satisfied with the digital model. Instep 136, theclient computing system 12 transmits an approval to the host computing system, indicating that the attending physician is satisfied with the digital model. - In
step 138, thehost computing system 14 receives the model approval from theclient computing system 12, and decrypts and/or decodes the same, if necessary. Instep 140, theCAD workstation 16 creates machine instructions from the digital model. Instep 142, the customized biometric device is manufactured using the approved digital model. Manufacture may employ standard computer aided manufacturing (“CAM”) techniques such as machining or molding. However, the manufacturing may employ 3-D printing to take advantage of the information inherent in the digital model which is not typically reproducible using standard manufacturing techniques. For example, the digital model may define internal structures, different materials, densities, density gradients, pharmacological agents and the like, which may require 3-D printing to create such structure in a finished product. Various devices made by three-dimensional printing methods were disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,962. Instep 144, the customized biomedical device is sterilized, packaged and shipped to the physician. Instep 146, the physician receives the biomedical device, wherein the anatomically accurate biomedical device such as an implant is ready to be implanted in the patient or otherwise used. Themethod 100 terminates instep 148. - In manufacturing customized implants or other biomedical devices, the starting point is the patient-specific data (i.e., radiological data, patient information), obtained from various non-invasive or invasive procedures. Typical non-invasive procedures from which radiological data may be obtained include diagnostic or clinical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine procedures or mammography procedures. Additionally, standard radiographs such as x-rays may be digitized into an electronic file by either a video camera or a film scanner. Yet another type of imaging equipment, which may be useful, although only for measuring external contours of the body, is a laser scanner which digitizes the contours of an external surface. Details of how medical images can be stored, transmitted and handled are given in “PACS: Basic Principles and Applications,” by H. K Huang (editor), 1999 Liley-Liss, and in the same author's earlier book, “PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication Systems in Biomedical Imaging.”
- The radiological imaging equipment is available at many medical facilities, but other equipment involved in the present invention is more specialized and may only be available at few centralized locations. This makes it useful to transmit diagnostic imaging information from the patient's location to a central site, allowing global access to otherwise limited design and manufacturing resources.
- One example of a framework for transmitting electronic medical imaging data between various sites is the “Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine (“DICOM”) standard developed by the American College of Radiology (“ACR”) and the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (“NEMA”). DICOM is based upon the Open System Interconnect (OSI) reference model, which defines a 7-layer protocol. Data may further be transmitted via common telephone lines (twisted pairs of copper wire), digital phone lines (ISDN, switched-56), DSL, coaxial cable, cable modem, fiber-optic cable, microwave, satellite, and T-1, T-3, OC-3, and other forms of telecommunications links. In regard to all data transmissions mentioned herein, privacy and security issues have become prominent issues in regard to the maintenance and transfer of individuals'medical data. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to encrypt the data before transmission and to decrypt the data after transmission, as is known in the art. Alternately, data could also be transmitted, for example, by storing the data on a data storage device such as a floppy disc, compact disc, DVD disc, optical disc, magnet-optic disc, WORM (write once read many times) disc, and sending the storage device via traditional mail services. In the event that the manufacturing site coincides with the location of the patient, the doctor and the diagnostic equipment, data transmission via the Internet may not be necessary.
- Radiological data such as MRI or CT scans is normally presented as sets of two-dimensional images (sections) showing all of the patient's tissues. The slices in a CT scan or an MRI scan associate an intensity of brightness on the display with each coordinate location in a scan. In a CT scan, darkness corresponds to absorption of X-rays, that most closely correlates with density of the tissue. In an MRI scan, intensity refers to the presence of certain elements. CT scans are considered better for imaging hard tissue such as bone, and MRI scans are considered better for imaging soft tissue. There may be instances in which it is advantageous to use both types of imaging together with each other.
- In some instances, for example, an implant that joins to existing bone, the diagnostic scans may need further processing. Further processing may include, for example, more clearly distinguishing between hard and soft tissue, as well as defining solid boundaries or surfaces of the hard tissue, for example, bone, in the two-dimensional planes or sections in which the MRI or CT scans typically are presented. Identifying the edges or surfaces of bone can be achieved by appropriate sampling and threshold definition techniques (perhaps including contrast enhancement) and geometrical algorithms such as in the software package MIMICS (from Materialise Europe; Ann Arbor, Mich.). This initially processed data may further be converted to a form that geometrically represents a multi-dimensional form representing an object. Such mathematical representations typically feature curved surfaces with resolution available to almost any desired precision anywhere on the surface, not only at locations which were part of the scan planes of the original MRI or CT data. For at least some of the types of radiological data (e.g., MRI or CT scans), there is a coarseness in the raw data that is acquired by radiologists or other medical personnel. Typically data is available at sampling planes which are parallel to each other and are spaced apart at intervals of 1 to 2 millimeters, which is coarser than the feature size typically desired in a custom manufactured implant. This increased or improved level of geometric detail is achieved through, for example, the use of interpolation, curve fitting, spline fitting, and surface fitting.
- A solid model is a geometric description of the entire surface of a solid object, where solid portions border empty space, as opposed to a description of the interior or solid region of the object. Solid surfaces are represented by patching together descriptions of individual portions of the surface together with definitions of intersections or regions in which each description applies. The descriptions of individual surface regions can in simple instances be segments of simple geometries such as planes, spheres, cylinders, toroids or other revolved surfaces. More generally the descriptions of individual surface regions can be curved surfaces of varieties such as bilinear surfaces, Coon's patch, bicubic patch, Bezier surfaces, B-spline surfaces, non-uniform rational B-spline (“NURBS”) surfaces, interpolation surfaces, and others as are known in the art. Intersections between surfaces can be described as series of intersection points. This information can be stored in file formats such as Initial Graphics Exchange Specifications (“IGES”), which is defined by ANSI Standard Y144.26M, and Standard for the Exchange of Product (“STEP”) model data. A more limited type of data transfer is provided by Drawing Interchange Format (“DXF”) used for AutoCAD files, and the like. Such models underlie most of the CAD software used for engineering and design of mechanical parts.
- Once a digital model has been created from the diagnostic data, the multi-dimensional digital model essentially becomes just another data set or mathematical object capable of being further processed or manipulated by standard CAD software. Suitable CAD software packages for further processing the digital model include SolidWorks (SolidWorks, Concord Mass.) and ProEngineer (Parametric Technologies, Waltham, Mass.).
- In accordance with another embodiment, radiological data is combined from more than one type of scan, such as MRI and CT. In combining two different scans typically taken with two different sets of equipment and two different positionings of the patient, one challenge is to determine the appropriate relative position and orientation of the models obtained from the two methods. One approach is to employ the CAD software's ability to calculate the centroid of a solid object. Aligning centroids of objects resulting from different types of scans is one way of comparing them. Alternatively, or in conjunction with aligning the centroids, the parts can be aligned as far as angular orientation. Another approach employs the CAD software's ability to mathematically subtract one model from the other, for example, by a Boolean operation, to obtain a set of space representing points which are members of one model or the other model but not both. The volume is calculated by the CAD software. When the volume of this spatial difference is minimized, the best alignment of the two parts has been achieved. After the best alignment is achieved, a combination or average of the two scan results could be calculated and used for the best representation of the surfaces.
- The digital model created so far from diagnostic data may be, for example, a model of existing bone structure in a patient's body. As a first step in creating a model of the object to be manufactured, a decision must be made as to whether the part which is to be manufactured corresponds to solid regions displayed in a diagnostic scan (i.e., if the part is a replacement part), or if it corresponds to voids displayed in a diagnostic scan (i.e., if it is a filler piece). If the part is a replacement part, it is possible that all of its edges are defined by edges of existing bone that is already represented by the digital model. If it is a filler piece, some of its edges can be mathematically defined by Boolean operations in the CAD program where the part adjoins pieces that are already defined as solid (e.g., existing bones). Where the new part adjoins soft tissue, the CAD operator may have to define the edges. A mating bone may be removed or moved to a new position in the digital model.
- In alternative embodiments, other auxiliary software such as software that is typically used by plastic and cosmetic surgeons to predict external body appearance may be used. For example, CAD software allows geometric manipulation of an original design of a part such as to add material in certain locations or to remove material in certain locations for reasons of strength, appearance, cosmetic appeal, and the like.
- In another embodiment, other features could be added to the digital model, involving either removal or addition of material, such as features that pertain to attachment of the new part to bones or structures such as those already existing in the body. This could be, for examples, a hole for bone screws. An attachment feature may include a cut, protrusion, hole, or specific dimension in a specific region of the biomedical device. Replacement of a portion of or a complete jawbone may require planning not only for the implant of the bone itself into the jaw, but also for later implantation of artificial teeth or endosseous implants into the implant. Yet another modification could include-designating dimensional reference points in the implant for use during surgery for locating the intended position of the part with respect to a template or other references, or for measuring dimensions radiologically after implantation.
- In yet another embodiment, the same computerized information could be used to manufacture models out of ordinary non-sterile, non-biocompatible materials of the surgical site and/or implants, for purposes of visualization or surgical planning. Creating digital models advantageously allows trying out different surgical approaches, attachment points, final cosmetic fit and the like.
- Creating digital models also allows templates, tools or similar related surgical hardware to be designed with the design of the implant. Those related surgical hardware items could then be supplied to the customer together with the implant, either custom made or selected from a range of sizes available from stock. It might be desirable for the surface of the implant to have a surface texture or pattern designed in to the multi-dimensional digital model as a feature not included in the radiological data.
- Yet another geometric modification could be changing the digital model, for example, enlarging the entire part by a predetermined factor in all or certain directions to compensate for anticipated shrinkage during post-manufacturing processing steps. Such shrinkage is known in the art, along with how to compensate for it.
- The required software and computer facilities may be so sophisticated, expensive and/or specialized at to be unavailable at an individual physician's office. Use of the Internet would provide easy access to such facilities via a central site. The digital model may be stored, processed and transmitted in the form of an IGES, STEP or similar file, as previously described.
- Beyond geometric alteration, there is also another possible step of the process of designing a biomedical device such as an implant. This step requires associating a composition variable or an internal architecture with specific geometric locations in the digital model. Composition variation can be implemented in three-dimensional printing, for example, by dispensing various different binder liquids from different dispensers, with coordination of the dispensers so that their relative target points are known. Additionally, specific chemicals in predetermined locations may be seeded into the implant during manufacturing. For example, growth factors, DNA, etc. can encourage ingrowth of bodily tissue such as bone at designated places. Comb polymers can encourage or discourage various types of cells from locating in designated places, as can modifiers of surface hydrophobicity. Porosity of the final product can also be designed in as a variable. Depending on the desired size scale of porosity, it can be designed into the architecture or can be achieved by manufacturing details, as is known in the art. Color, including variations of color, could also be designed in if desired. It would be possible to put in marker substances that show up on MRI or other forms of radiography, so that the part can be easily inspected. For example, two or more markers could be designed in to the part at a known distance apart from each other. Depending on the modeling soft ware, it may be possible to associate these details with the digital model at this stage. If such compositional details are not incorporated into the digital model, they can be incorporated in the machine instruction file.
- Other design conveniences are also possible. For example, because the nearby bones and the proposed new part all exist as digital models, it is possible to assemble them to give a complete description of what the final site will look like. CAD software is capable of automatically checking for mechanical interferences and can further assess the assemblability. The assemblability includes, for example, the assembly sequences, geometric tolerances and tolerance stack-up, design clearances, insertion and motion paths for parts as they are moved into place, all of which are directed toward avoiding interferences of ordinary mechanical parts as they are being assembled.
- In another embodiment, sections of the digital models can be calculated in orientations that resemble those of the original diagnostic radiographs for purposes of comparison. Thus, the physician and/or patient can view what a CT, MRI, simple X-ray, or other diagnostic should look like after implantation of the proposed part. Software for visualizing the exterior of the human body, such as software used for planning plastic and cosmetic surgery, could further help visualization. The system may incorporate modeling rules for ingrowth of bone or reabsorption of implant material into the body to simulate the time-progression of growth processes after the implant is implanted in the patient. This simulation could be transmitted back to the physician nearly instantaneously.
- In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a digital model can be used to create a mesh for finite element analysis, for example, stress distribution due to applied loads. Such analysis, which is linked to the digital model derived from the patient-specific radiological data, could provide patient-unique calculated stress margins with respect to defined loads. Such stress analysis could, for example, be performed at the remote facility providing the modeling services. The stress analysis could be part of the process of consulting with and obtaining approval from the physician.
- In one embodiment, the designed digital model data is transmitted back to the physician and/or patient for their review. Multiple review iterations may be performed as changes are discussed and agreement is reached with the doctor/patient. A system10 that is implemented in hardware could allow a substantial number of design iterations in a short period of time particularly if it operates in near real time. Further, such a system 10 could provide the medical field a capability of concurrent design or collaborative or interactive design. The final digital model file can be transmitted over the Internet to the manufacturing machine if that machine is located at still another location. Thus, the computer facilities and software that process the radiological data to form the digital model do not have to be co-located with the manufacturing facility.
- In yet another embodiment, various details are transmitted back to the client or physician for viewing along with the digital model. If the transmittal of proposed designs from the remote location back to the physician is done by files such as IGES or STEP, it will be possible to transmit as much geometric detail as desired, but it may not be possible to transmit much compositional detail such as distributions of color on the surface, or other compositional variation such as placement of bioactive substances. IGES would be more limiting than STEP in this respect. If the transmission of data is done with proprietary file formats, it may require that the physician use a particular CAD software for viewing the image of the proposed part. It may not be necessary for the physician to have a complete license to the CAD software used in making the patient-unique digital model; since many software packages offer simplified versions having the capability of opening and viewing files generated by the program, but without the ability to modify such files. Alternatively, the computer terminal at the physician could simply be configured as a remote user of the software that is installed at the host computing system14 (FIG. 1).
- Encryption, password protection and digital certificate authentication is desirable in any such data transmission. Transmission of approval from the physician to the manufacturer can be stored with the file containing the agreed-upon design, forming a record of the same.
- One method of constructing the biomedical devices employs three-dimensional printing. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) involves selectively bonding together powder in successively deposited layers to form generalized solid shapes. Three dimensional printing processes are detailed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,204,055, 5,387,380, 5,807,437, 5,340,656, 5,490,882, 5,814,161, 5,490,962, 5,518,680, and 5,869,170, all hereby incorporated by reference. In three-dimensional printing, there are two principal ways of depositing a layer of powder. In some cases a roller spreads a layer of dry powder. In other cases a continuously dispensing jet moving back and forth in a raster pattern until an entire layer is deposited deposits a layer of slurry typically. The latter method is typically used for depositing relatively thin layers of relatively small particle dimension powder, compared to roller spreading. Either method could be used for present purposes depending on requirements for feature size, mechanical strength of the finished part, and other variables as are known in the art. The choice of binder liquid is also of importance and is selected for particular applications as is known in the art. The binder liquid can be dispensed by a drop-on-demand print head, which may be a piezoelectric print head, or a continuous-jet-with-deflection printhead, or others as are known in the art.
- Since the intended process is for medical use, the equipment must include certain medical-specific features. For example, the equipment and/or end product may need to be sterile. Furthermore, the use of printing materials, including powder, binder and any subsequent filling, infusing or other processing materials, should be compatible with the human body. Biocompatible substances for all these materials are known in the art.
- Since three-dimensional printing involves printing in layers, it requires instructions in which a multi-dimensional digital model is mathematically translated into a series of slices of narrow thickness, each slice having a set of data or printing instructions representing the part geometry at that particular plane. In three-dimensional printing, each slice corresponds to a layer of powder in the powder bed during construction of the object. The entire set of data or instructions is referred to as the machine instructions.
- In a general sense, the slices which are the manufacturing instructions bear a general resemblance to the scan planes which make up an MRI scan or CT scan, but there are important differences. The slices in an MRI or CT scan are acquired diagnostic data. The slices that are manufacturing instructions are processed data containing additional information. The slices that are the manufacturing instructions are typically spaced at the layer thickness of powder spreading, rather than at the scan planes interval of MRI or CT. Quite possibly, the powder layer spacing interval is much smaller than the scan plane interval of the MRI or CT. Additionally, the angular orientation at which the manufacturing slices are taken does not need to have any particular orientation with respect to the angular orientation of the scan planes of MRI or CT. The scan planes are for convenience of diagnostic imaging, and the manufacturing slices are for convenience of manufacturing. The slices in a CT scan or an MRI scan associate with each coordinate location in a scan and an intensity of brightness on the display. In the case of a CT scan, darkness corresponds to absorption of X-rays that is most closely correlated with density of the tissue. In an MRI scan, intensity refers to the presence of certain chemical elements. Both of these types of quantities can have a whole range of values (i.e., analog). In contrast, the print instructions for any given coordinate location are in many cases essentially binary, instructing particular dispensers to either dispense or not dispense.
- Generating the machine instructions includes mathematically taking a cross-section of the digital model at locations corresponding to the layers of the three-dimensional printing process. The machine instructions describe the entire interior solid structure of the part, whereas the digital model merely describes the surface. Generating the machine instructions for each coordinate point or voxel in the powder array or printing region include determining whether that coordinate point is to be bound powder and therefore part of the solid or is to be left as unbound powder and therefore empty space the final part. A voxel is a unit of graphic or physical modeling information that defines a point in three-dimensional space. For example, in 3-D space, each of the coordinates may be defined in terms of its position, color, and density. Voxels are commonly used as the smallest individually addressable element in medical imaging and three-dimensional printing applications.
- The motion of the printhead as it moves along the fast axis can be considered a line or a ray that intersects the digital model. This is especially true for raster printing, in which the motion of the printhead is always along a straight line, as opposed to vector printing, in which the motion of the printhead can be a curved path. That intersection can be mathematically calculated to indicate for each point or printing location along the ray whether that point should have a dispense command or no command. This process is called ray casting, and basically amounts to mathematically calculating intersections between lines and the digital model. For example, each intersection point between the ray and the surface can be characterized as an entry or an exit. If an entry point has already been reached but no exit point has been reached along that ray, then all points on the ray between entry and exit are part of the solid and require dispensing of binder. Special cases can also be recognized for situation such as tangency where a ray touches but does not really enter a solid body. Thus, the machine instructions include instructions to dispense or not to dispense binder liquid at each of many locations in the printing plane, usually in a grid format.
- In another embodiment, more than one binder or dispensed liquid may be involved in order to dispense different substances at different locations. To accomplish this, the independent instructions for each available binder liquid instruct whether to dispense or not to dispense at a particular location. This can further include a check to prevent certain multiple dispensing of binders at given locations. Thus, the machine instructions at each possible printing point are a series of binary (i.e., yes-or-no) instructions for each of the available dispensers.
- In some types of printheads it is even possible to vary the amount of liquid dispensed at a given print command by varying the electrical waveform driving the dispenser. The technologies providing capability include piezoelectric printheads and microvalve based printheads. In such a case, additional information would have to be associated with each print command in the machine instruction file.
- Thus, in addition to the geometric data, the machine instruction file also contains compositional information relating to the situation where more than one binder substance is dispensed onto the powder.
- The above description provides methods of manufacturing biomedical devices such as implants that yield at least superior dimensional matching to the patient's body and hence should promote superior tissue and bone ingrowth as compared to conventional methods. In general, the smaller the gap between fragments or surfaces which are intended to heal to each other, the greater the likelihood of successful healing. The biomedical devices of the present invention are anatomically accurate, thus providing an optimal fit with the patient's anatomy, which should promote healing. Furthermore, internal microarchitectures can be designed into the biomedical device to promote, guide, or discourage ingrowth of bone or other tissue in specific places. The configuration of the architecture provides an environment beneficial to and optimized to cell ingrowth, and further can be designed to create a unique cell-surface interface that facilitates rapid and specific cell migration into the biomedical device. This is possible due to specifically designed architecture as well as the ability to place drugs, gene fragments, comb polymers, and growth factors in specific locations within the biomedical device. Such details are included in the machine instruction file as just described. Using the machine instruction file, the biomedical device is manufactured such as by three-dimensional printing. It is then inspected, sterilized if required, packaged, and delivered to the user.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B is a schematic diagram further illustrating the flow of data between remote sites and a central site, and showing an alternate embodiment in accordance with the present invention that allows the option of customized manufacture of the biomedical device or customized selection of the biomedical device from a set of pre-designed and possible pre-manufactured biomedical devices on a best fit basis.
- A
central site 300 receives patientspecific data 304 fromremote sites data 304, interacts withremote sites remote sites central site 300 receives and processes patientspecific data 304 such aspatient information 306 andradiological data 308 such as an MRI or CT scan data. Thecentral site 300 can also receive and process product specifications and product design requirements 310, which are integrated at thecentral site 300. - Processing of the
raw patient data 306 such as the CT/MRI scan data 308 andpatient information 306, together with the product specifications 310 involves transmission of data via the Internet, intranet, extranet or other communications network and can involve interaction with the patient and/or physician so as to determine choices of features of the biomedical device such as an implant to be selected or manufactured. Instep 312, thecentral site 300 creates a multi-dimensionaldigital model 312 of the proposed biomedical device, incorporating additional details or features not included in theradiological data 308, as previously described. The use of network computer communications also permits return transmittal of information from the central location to the doctor/patient at theremote sites - In
step 314, thecentral site 300 determines whether the biomedical device will be custom designed and/or manufactured, or whether the biomedical device will be custom selected from a number of existing designs and/or manufactures. Each approach has unique advantages, as described below in reference to the specific implementations. - Under the custom design and/or manufacturing approach, biomedical device design is performed interactively or collaboratively in nearly real-time by iteratively customizing the digital model, such as shown in
step 316. This allows the physician to make suggestions and the CAD operator such as a clinical design engineer, to implement the suggestions, even if the physician is located a great distance away from the CAD operator. The CAD operator can apply specialized knowledge in materials and structures in implementing the suggestions. This collaboration is facilitated by the use of the Internet or similar interactive telecommunication network. Information may be transmitted back to the treating physician showing how a proposed device would fit into the patient's body. Thus, the digital model may include patient tissue and structure surrounding the biomedical device, to assist in visualizing the fit. Although the dimensions of the reconstructive, augmentative, rehabilitative or cosmetic device are probably the most common subject of customization, there are also other parameters which may also be interactively tried and sampled and viewed between physically separated locations, such as material composition of the implant, gradients of properties, porosity, additives, color, and the like. Such visualizations can be returned via the computer network to the physician for evaluation. - Such a system, particularly if it operates in near real-time, could allow a substantial number of design iterations in a short period of time, and could provide the a capability of concurrent design or collaborative or interactive design. In addition to simply indicating the fit and attachment of the reconstructive device, such information may be generally useful in planning surgery, and patient post-operative appearance.
- In
step 318, the central site determines whether or not the design has been accepted or approved, typically based on a decision by the physician. If not accepted or approved, thecentral site 300 allows the interactive design process to continue, returning to step 316. If accepted or approved, thecentral site 300 initiates the manufacture activity. At this point the digital model resulting from the consultative process is translated into manufacturing instructions instep 319, as previously described. Thecentral site 300 executes various configuration management and control operations instep 320, for example, ensuring that sufficient materials are available, ordering replacement materials, and entering the specific biomedical device order into a manufacturing work flow. Instep 322, thecentral site 300 custom manufactures the biomedical device, according to the machine instructions. Instep 324, the manufactured biomedical device can be digitized, for example via a laser scanner, mechanical touch probe, or other geometry acquisition device. Instep 326, the results compared to the digital model to verify the product geometry and patient fit. If the verification is unsuccessful, control returns to step 316 and the process is repeated. If the verification is successful, thecentral site 300 ships the biomedical device to the appropriateremote site step 328. - Under the customized selection of the biomedical device on a best fit basis approach, the digital model is compared to “in-stock” biomedical devices or designs to find a best fit device based on a patient's unique data. In
step 330, the digital model is compared to a number of standard designs at thecentral site 300. Instep 332, the one of the standard biomedical devices is selected for the patient on a best fit basis at thecentral site 300. Instep 324, the selected biomedical device is scanned and, instep 326 the results compared to the digital model to verify the product geometry and patient fit. If the verification is unsuccessful, control returns to step 330 and the process is repeated. If the verification is successful, thecentral site 300 ships the biomedical device to the appropriateremote site step 326. The selected biomedical device can be shipped directly from stock, if available, or manufactured according to a predefined set of machine instructions. - The
steps 332 and/or 326 will typically include receiving approval or agreement from the physician. Upon final agreement, the biomedical device is retrieved from stock, if available, or manufactured to order, but with less specific labor and effort than is involved in a fully customized design. Depending on various factors such as price, timing, and the location in the body, customization can include a best fit from standardized sizes and/or one of a kind customized construction. - There are several differences between a completely customized biomedical device and a best fit from stock biomedical device. A completely customized biomedical device, will likely have the best possible match to a patient's own dimensions. However, only one or a small number of copies would likely be made. Thus, the cost of producing the fully customized digital model is completely borne by one patient or insurer. On the other hand, if a fully customized implant is not necessary, there are two possible approaches. One is to supply a biomedical device that is fully customized for another patient who closely resembles the current patient. The cost could be significantly reduced, although the fit will not be as good. An even lower cost alternative employs a set or series of generic digital models, not necessarily derived from the specific data of any particular patient. The resulting biomedical devices would not fit as well as a customized biomedical device, however these parts could be manufactured simultaneously at lower manufacturing costs than patient specific customized parts.
- In three-dimensional printing, there are economics advantages to printing a whole tray or bed full of similar parts in a single run. Thus, if generic parts were being manufactured, it would be preferable to manufacture a substantial number of them simultaneously. This means assembling a machine instruction file in which instructions for the generic part are repeated a number of times. If patient-specific parts are being manufactured, it would also be preferable to manufacture several parts in a single run, which would mean stringing together the individual print instructions for a number of different patients' parts to make one complete set of printing instructions or machine instruction file.
- Through the techniques described here, the ability for customization or matching of the reconstructive augmentative rehabilitative or cosmetic device to a patient's individual needs is maximized, as is the amount of information available to the surgeon before the operation, while the time required to produce a better product is minimized.
- The present invention's use of an electronic design and manufacturing model also permits additional advantages such as compilation of databases or profiles for individual physicians and/or hospitals or for individual patients, inventory control, record-keeping and billing, product design updates and client feedback, and follow-up notices to users. Such information can be maintained on a secure Web site, available to appropriate categories of users such as through the use of passwords or similar access restrictions.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow of data and other information to a
Website 400 for implementing the present invention according to one illustrated embodiment. As discussed above, theWebsite 400 can be hosted on one or more computers, such as the server computer 18 (FIG. 1). Access to theWebsite 400 or appropriate portions of the Website for specific users or categories of users can be controlled by passwords or similar methods, including biometric verification. In order to provide for privacy of medical records, encryption, password protection and/or digital certificate authentication could be used for all data transmissions. - As shown in FIG. 4, the
secure Web site 400 is created to allow for the management of information and data between clients at one location and designers, engineers and/or manufacturers at another location. Clients may include medical providers such as physicians, oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons orthopedic surgeons or other surgeons. - The information and data may be organized as
patient profiles 402 stored in apatient profile database 404. Thepatient profile database 402 may include orders for reconstructive implants, as well as directions and review by the attending physician or surgeon. Thepatient profile database 402 may also maintain patient records and histories. Thesecure Web site 400 accepts the input of patient specific data (i.e., radiological data and/or patient information) 406, and facilitates the management of imaging data such as an MRI/CT radiological data. Thus, thesecure Web site 400 receivespatient data 404, including specific imaging data such as MRI/CT files which provide the basis for developing the customized biomedical devices. - The
Web site 400 receives initialdigital models 408 and modifieddigital models 410 from the designers. As discussed above, the initialdigital models 408 are develop based on thepatient data 406, particular the radiological data. TheWeb site 400 provides an interface for managing, accessing and displaying thedigital models model database 412. The interface is available to the designers, engineers, manufactures, physicians and surgeons to the degree necessary for each to perform their assigned tasks. The interface may contain separate components or subsets, each accessible by only a subset of users. These components or subsets may take the form of specialized Webpages that are tailored to the unique tasks of each individual based on the individual's assigned role. Thus, the physician will likely interact with a different subset of the interface than the designer or engineer. The separate components or subsets also provide a way to limit access to information based on assigned role. Thus, for example, it is possible to not only deny access to information, but to even prevent a user from determining that such information exists, since a particular component or subset may omit any icons associated with a particular piece of information. - The
Web site 400 also provides an interface for receiving and managingclient interaction 414.Client interaction 414 may take the form of an initial proposal for the design of a product for a patient. TheWeb site 400 may also receiveclient interaction 414 in the form of an initial patient profile, a review of the proposed product, comments and questions regarding the product, and an approval of the final order.Client interaction 414 can take place directly through theWeb site 400, for example electronically via http requests or email. Additionally, or alternatively, theclient interaction 414 can take place indirectly through communications with,customer service personnel 415, for example telephonically, electronically via email, in-person, or through traditional mail routes. -
Customer service 415 responds to inquiries regarding customized biomedical devices as well as matching product designs topatient data 406, and generally facilitating the ordering process.Customer service 415 also may provide electronic mail updates or alerts regarding the biomedical devices, may respond to client's queries via telephone, mail, or electronic mail, and may facilitate direct sales. - The
Website 400 receivesback office information 416 from internal company information systems. Theback office information 416 allows theWebsite 400 to control implant data, maintain order status through delivery, control inventory, perform Web management, and perform billing. As is illustrated by the above discussion, thesecure Web site 400 provides a central information exchange platform. - As discussed above, the client can view the final product design as embodied in a
digital model 410 via the a component or subset of thesecure Web site 400 prior to manufacture and/or shipment. Records and files can be stored asback office information 416 in the internal information systems for future reference. Thesecure Web site 400 may also allow the client to directly input specifications, requests, or parameters or requests such as requests for modifications. TheWebsite 400 can maintain a permanent record of the physician's instructions in ordering the part. - A secure
central Website 400 can be used for comparing data taken on a given-patient at different times, to obtain specific dimensional comparisons or changes. In taking a CT scan or a MRI scan, data is taken at a series of imaginary planes through a patient's body, with the planes typically being spaced from each other by a distance of 1 to 2 mm. For two different scans taken a substantial amount of time apart from each other, the positioning of the patient is likely not the same each time, and even if it were, the position of the imaginary planes at which scans are taken would not be the same. Thus, to obtain detailed dimensional data, it is useful to transform the raw CT or MRI data to a digital model. A digital model involves defining boundaries such as between soft tissue and bone, by defining the edges of bone, and then in all dimensions fitting curves to define the surfaces of the bone throughout space. These boundaries are not inherent in the radiological data, and thus must be added in creating the multi-dimensional digital model. - Furthermore, for comparing dimensions of such data taken from the same patient at different times, it is advantageous to use the digital model processed from the raw CT or MRI data, because the digital model contains the detailed calculated positions of curved surfaces throughout space, rather than just at locations at which scans were actually taken. Once the position of a given body part in one digital model is suitably related to the position of the same body part in a digital model from a scan at a different time, differences in dimensions can be calculated, and increments of recession or growth can be calculated. This matching could be done as previously described by calculating centroids and matching their position, together with orientating the two models so that the mathematical or Boolean difference, namely, volumes belonging to one or the other model but not both, is minimized.
- Comparing two different digital models may provide evidence of reabsorption or deterioration of bone indicating need for intervention, or evidence of normal growth, or evidence of ingrowth as a way of monitoring recovery after surgery. In the case of an implant made of reabsorbable material, this may provide a way of monitoring the extent of reabsorption. It may also be useful, as described earlier, to compare MRI and CT scans taken from the same patient, at either the same or different times. Having the facility of a central Website400 (FIG. 4) makes this easier and provides a capability which might not be available at every physician's office.
- Dimensions may not be the only parameter that can be usefully compared between digital models or raw data taken at different times. Bone density might be able to be compared as an indicator, for example, of osteoporosis or other degenerative condition. Even local chemical composition, which is one of the strengths of MRI as a diagnostic technique, might be able to be compared or analyzed. Having all of this maintained on a central site, which may include specialized software, enables time-variation or progression to be studied which may include various stages in the progression of a degenerative disease, followed by design of a custom implant, followed by noting the appearance after implantation of the custom implant, followed by monitoring any changes in nearby bone after implantation, and even including indication of how much reabsorption has taken place in the case of a reabsorbable implant.
- The computer facilities for creating multi-dimensional digital models from individual CT or MRI scans may not exist in every physician's office, and similarly the computer facilities for comparing two different digital models and detecting small dimensional changes are even less likely to exist in every physician's office. Thus, the use of telecommunication such as the Internet provides the availability of such services to any location having appropriate communication facilities, regardless of geographic location.
- In the case of an implantable drug delivery device, measuring the remaining size of the implantable drug delivery device could provide indication of how much drug has been delivered so far. In all cases, it would be desirable for communication with the central Website or facility to be encrypted, password protected and/or authenticated using digital certificates as mentioned earlier and as is known in the art.
- In some instances, the present invention may be used in a way which does not involve manufacturing to order, but rather involves selecting the best fit from a stock of already-manufactured components or designs. While selection from stock does not provide all of the advantages of manufacturing completely customized parts to order, it nevertheless would provide some degree of customization that might be adequate for certain purposes. It also would be even faster than fully customized manufacture. In this sort of application, the
central Website 400 would still receive radiographic data pertaining to a specific patient, and could assist in deciding which stock item should be used. The selected stock item are shipped to the physician. Thecentral Website 400 would have further usefulness in that it could be used for maintaining records of inventory, records of rates of use, and could indicate the need for replenishing items which are out of stock or nearly out of stock. Of course, similarly, for custom manufacturing, theWebsite 400 could still help to maintain inventories of predict usage patterns and inventories of raw materials. - One application of the present invention includes the providing of reconstructive or cosmetic implants to augment the bony material of the human jaw. In the United States there are approximately 20 million people who have lost all the teeth from at least one jaw. There are also other people who have lost many individual teeth. When all or many teeth are missing, especially from the lower jaw, the bone gradually disappears by reabsorbing back into the body because of lack of mechanical stimulation or for other reasons. Eventually this affects the facial appearance. Buildup of the jaw with replacement bone from the same person (autograft) or from cadavers (allograft) can remedy this problem but typically this is only a temporary solution because over several years the grafted bone reabsorbs for the same reasons that the original bone reabsorbed.
- One solution is to implant a custom-shaped piece of artificial bone at least part of which is made of a material that is not reabsorbable. For example, current work on an alveolar ridge replacement focuses on using hydroxyapatite powder as the basic material. Hydroxiapatite is not reabsorbable into the human body. An example of a binder that may be dispensed onto hydroxyapatite powder to build parts is an aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid (PAA). Following dispensing of the binder, the “green” (uncured) ceramic part is heated to decompose the binder and then heated to a higher temperature to cause sintering thus fusing particles together. The porous sintered ceramic may then be infused with a polymer to further enhance its mechanical strength, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Such parts may then be surgically installed in the jaws of patients.
- For completely edentulous patients it is possible that a variety of standard sizes may suffice, but it is also possible that parts manufactured from patient-specific data may be preferable. For partially edentulous patients, each with their own pattern of missing teeth, there may be more need for patient-specific manufacturing. In all of these cases, the use of a computer network to transmit patient-specific data is valuable, as is the use of the computer network to transmit patient-specific data such as visualizations back from the central location to the patient location.
- The alveolar ridge is not the only body part for which it may be useful to manufacture replacement pieces of possibly custom-shaped bone-like material possibly including Internet transfer of data to provide exceptionally fast response and delivery time. Other possible body parts, shapes and devices include: cranial plugs; cheeks; mandible onlay; mandible extension; chin; nose; dental plug; external ear; gauze; orbital implants; orbital floor; orbital wall; orbital rims; orbital socket; croutons; wedges; plates; sheets; blocks; dowels, spine cage inserts; Screws; tacks; custom pieces; cartilage; and soft tissue. These body parts are not meant as a complete or limiting list; others are also possible.
- The term “croutons” refers to pieces of bone-like material used during surgery to fill voids in bone such as in piecing together complex fractures, to improve the likelihood of successful healing. They serve as building blocks. Their shapes may be standard or custom or a hybrid and they may or may not include features for attachment. Wedges, sheets, plates, blocks and dowels are basic shapes similar to croutons. Orbital implants, rims, sockets, floors and walls are portions of the bone near the eye. Dental plugs are small pieces of bone substitute that could be placed at the site of a tooth extraction. A cranial plug would be used to fill a hole made in the skull for surgical purposes.
- Some of these such as the external ear, and perhaps the nose, are non-rigid and would be made out of silicone or polyethylene, but again these are merely examples and other materials are also possible. For devices that ate desired to be reabsorbable into the human body, examples of suitable materials are poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and similar polyesters. Suitable printing techniques take advantage of the solubility of these materials in chloroform.
- Implantable drug delivery devices contain drugs and are made of a material that slowly degrades or dissolves in the body. Their function is to release drug gradually as they dissolve. The time scale of drug release is typically of the order of months, perhaps many months. Implantable drug delivery devices would typically be implanted by a relatively minor implantation procedure.
- Another type of manufacturable device are surgical leave-behinds that might contain and release drugs. A surgical leave-behind is placed in a patient's body as a surgical incision is being closed, with the intention that it release drugs as it dissolves. Surgical leave-behinds are essentially a form of implantable drug delivery devices, which is implanted during a surgical procedure that is performed primarily for other reasons. Their designed release period is determined by the time scale of processes that take place during wound healing and recovery from surgery and is typically measured in days.
- Categories of drugs that might likely be packaged in surgical leave-behinds include local anesthetics, anticoagulants, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic or other anti-cancer drugs, anti-nausea drugs, growth factors, hormones or similar substances to promote healing, and the like. Both implantable drug delivery devices and surgical leave-behinds could quickly be made-to-order, with unique specification of geometry, content of drug or drugs, dosage, dissolution time, or any other design variable, in part through the use of the internet, using the methods described herein.
- The method of the present invention can also be used to quickly generate and deliver tissue scaffolds of customized shape, composition, and the like. A tissue scaffold is a device having some porosity or internal voids which are designed so that cells tend to grow into them. In some instances cells are seeded into the scaffold in advance of when the device is to be implanted in a person's body, and are allowed to grow for a period of time in an environment conducive to their growth, such as a bioreactor. Often the scaffold is designed to dissolve or be absorbed by the body or the surrounding medium over a certain period of time, which provides further spaces into which cells may grow.
- The geometry or architecture of a tissue scaffold has a significant effect on how well cells grow into it. The overall dimensions and geometry of the scaffold may be something that needs to be designed for the dimensions of an individual patient, or other features of it may need to be customized for an individual patient. Other features of the design of a tissue scaffold which may affect its success in growing cells include composition of bulk materials and surfaces, deposition in specific places of surface-active agents which may either increase or decrease hydrophobicity, and deposition in specific places of bioactive materials, such as growth factors, and peptides. Use of the Internet for data transmission, possibly including patient-specific data, together with use of the rest of the techniques disclosed herein, can significantly speed up the availability time of custom-made or patient-specific tissue scaffolds.
- In another embodiment, the present invention provides a new method of rapid design and manufacture of custom pharmaceuticals drugs such as Oral Dosage Forms (ODF) (pills), short-run applications to meet small, acute or emergency needs via transmission of data over computer networks. In general the process would be what has already been described but simpler in that it would not require transmission of any detailed graphical data either from or to a physician. Today most simple pills of common pharmaceuticals are of constant composition throughout and are made by pressing powder into a tablet shape.
- There is a need to design and manufacture more complicated geometries of pills which would provide for delayed or gradual release of active pharmaceuticals, sequenced release of more than one pharmaceutical in a single pill, and in general somewhat arbitrary release profiles of multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients, all governed by the geometric design of the pill and the dissolution behavior of appropriate portions of the pill in bodily digestive fluids. For example, the ability to combine multiple pharmaceutical compounds in a single oral dosage form may be a way of improving patient compliance and accuracy in following instructions for self-administering medications. In general, noncompliance is a significant source of error or failure. Noncompliance can include patient unwillingness to take drugs, and also patient error in taking drugs. Compliance of patients would be increased by anything that decreases the number of pills that must be taken and/or decreases the number of times per day that pills must be taken. This may be useful, for example, in connection with treating either elderly or very young patients. For example, it may be desirable to combine, in one oral dosage form, a first medication with another medication to counteract side effects of the first medication (e.g., nausea).
- There may further be reason for one drug or medication to be time-delayed with respect to the other drug or medication. There may be so many possible combinations of drugs that it is not practical to pre-manufacture very many combinations of them, and yet with Internet-enabled communications and rapid manufacturing techniques, such customization and made-to-order pills would be practical. This would also enable doctors to adjust doses based on patient response or patient-unique factors, including individually adjusting doses of each of multiple medications contained within an Oral Dosage Form. This resembles trends in other manufacturing industries, even for products as complicated as automobiles, to cut inventories and to offer more individualized and yet still rapid response to customer needs by manufacturing-to-order. The use of the Internet helps to enable such a system to offer several-day or even faster turnaround, a convenience that can significantly change the way in which pills are made and delivered to patients.
- The manufacturing of the ODF can be done by three dimensional printing, layering of premade sheets, or some combination of the these or related techniques. The present invention allows the prescribing physician to transmit the desired prescription for specified active pharmaceutical ingredient(s), dosages, and customized release profile and/or sequence via a computer network, such as the Internet, to a manufacturing location, and have pills manufactured to order with the prescribed quantity and release profile of active pharmaceutical ingredients. These customized pharmaceuticals can then be delivered directly to the patient. Again, the use of computer networks means that even if only a few manufacturing locations exist, it is possible for these products to be delivered to patients quickly, in a cost effective manner, and with minimal geographic limitations.
- Additionally, a secure Web site can serve many related functions relating to record keeping of a patient's usage of pharmaceuticals, recording the issuance of prescriptions from physicians, checking for interactions with other drugs which the patient may be taking, refilling a prescription or limiting the number of refills of a prescription, and sending follow-up notices to either the physician or the patient. Billing can also be accomplished through such a Web site, and interaction between the physician, patient, and insurance company can be facilitated. Product design updates, client feedback and follow-up notices to users can also be accomplished through such a Web site, as can generation of statistical data. This method can include transmittal of information back to the prescriber at the time of prescribing, before finalizing of the order, or later. Such information can be maintained on a secure Web site that is made available to appropriate categories of users, possibly including the use of encryption, passwords, and/or digital certificates.
- In addition to implants, which would be defined as objects which are totally enclosed inside the body when they are put into use, the same techniques could also be used for manufacturing tooth substitutes or parts of teeth via communication of dimensional information to a distant site for manufacture. This could be done either in conjunction with reconstruction of maxillofacial bone products as already described, or separately. In the case of separately, it could be used to fabricate objects, e.g., dental implants, dental onlays, dental inlays, dental crowns, dental caps, etc., i.e., objects which are not at all enclosed by the skin of the body and which are visible when installed.
- A practical example of one procedure for generating implant models from CT or MRI data, follows. Other implementations are of course possible.
- Initially, the original medical imaging data is collected from the patient by the radiologist or surgeon using commercially available scanning devices. For example, the radiologist or surgeon may employ commercially available CT and MRI scanning devices. CT and MRI scans are arrays of two-dimensional images that each represent a specific scanning slice through the patient. Resolution of images as well as the slice thickness is determined by the physician or radiologist and is a function of radiation dosage to the subject, size of the region to be scanned and required scan resolution.
- As shown in the three views illustrated in FIG. 5, the
anatomical data 500 is then imported into Materialise MIMICS software. Each slice is represented by variations in the gray scale of the image. The contrasts of the images are adjusted to aid in the separation of bone from soft tissue by establishing appropriate threshold values. Working layer by layer, the anatomical regions of interest are isolated. - Once the layers have been segmented, the software allows for inter-plane linear interpolation or cubic spline convolution calculations in order to decrease the slice thickness of the data set. As shown in FIG. 6, a three-
dimensional volume model 502 of the anatomical data results. From there the data can be output as either a Stereolithography Interface Format (“STL”) file or as apoint cloud file 504, as shown in FIG. 7. - Using the STL file format, the Paraform software can be used to smooth the surfaces of the model. STL files appear as mesh, often forming sharp points. The software allows the user to sculpt and smooth the mesh. When completed, lines are drawn and formed onto the
mesh 506, as shown in FIG. 8. (In this case the teeth from the scan were removed to reveal the underlying alveolar ridge.) These lines become the borders of surfaces that will be formed onto the mesh. All of these steps allow the user to control the level of detail of each surface. Once all of the surfaces are joined together forming a “water tight” body, the geometry can now be made into a solid and then exported to the CAD software for further manipulation, for example as a Parasolid file. - The CAD software allows dimensional control of features. Prior to this point, the data was similar to clay being formed into the proper shape. Here, each feature (cut, protrusion, etc.) has a defined size and shape. Using physical markers, the geometry can be accurately defined or modified per the required specifications. The
mandible 508 shown in FIG. 9, was imported into SolidWorks and asection 510 was extracted to simulate an osseous reconstruction which replaced a tumor or other defect. - The parts that are to be fabricated are assembled together within SolidWorks. As shown in FIG. 10, each individual part or subassembly are placed and oriented within an assembly. This is the orientation that will be printed. In the illustrated example, the
mandible section 512 is assembled with twoother blocks - Upon completion of the ray casting, a file is output, shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, that uniquely identifies the scanned assembly, the scan parameters, and the set of intersection points that were identified. The following example demonstrates a scan of the assembly previously discussed including mandible section and two test blocks. The header information for the ray casting output is bolded in the example file. It includes such information as the assembly file name, save date, operator, date/time of scan, a list of the bodies in the assembly, and the scan parameters used. The actual intersection points encountered during the scanning process include the Cartesian point of intersection, the normal values of the intersection point, the body intersected, and the type of intersection. The most common type of intersection of a ray with a surface is when a ray enters and exits the surface, producing FACE ENTER and FACE EXIT intersection points. These points are used in generating the print job. The ray casting function also detects intersections with edges, vertices and tangencies. These additional types of intersection may prove useful in the future for optimization of the scanning process.
- The output file from the ray casting utility is imported into an application to generate a print job for fabrication. The surface intersection points that share the same Z value and intersected part are paired into series of rasters. After determining the model of target machine and printhead configuration that will be used, a series of machine instructions are generated that instruct the target machine on how to coordinate its motions and print patterning. An exemplary set of instructions are illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, where the instructions “F” and “G” are grouped together to represent forward and reverse passes of the printhead. When these instructions are interspersed with the “P” instruction that determines which valves of the printhead are active, printing sweeps are formed. Every print job will consist of interspersed layer spread commands represented by the “M” instruction, and a series of sweeps. Each layer spread and series of sweeps will reproduce one slice or layer of the parts during fabrication.
- To perform a fabrication, a print job must be loaded into the Process Control Software on the target machine. Once loaded, the print job may be executed multiple times to generate the required quantity of parts. FIG. 13, shows the three fabricated
components - Although specific embodiments of and examples for the machine tool system and method are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equipment modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. The teachings provided herein of the invention can be applied to other machine tools, not necessarily the 3 dimensional printer discussed above. Additionally, the system can employ other computing hardware and network topologies. For example, the client side may include a server for providing network servers to one or more client computing systems. The client and/or server side computing systems may include firewalls where appropriate, to provide enhanced security.
- From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while generally discussed in terms of solid models, many embodiments can employ other CAD representations including surface modeling and/or wire-frame modeling.
- The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above U.S. patents, patent applications and publications referred to in this specification, including but not limited to U.S. Serial No. 60/194,965 filed Apr. 5, 2000; Ser. No. 09/828,504 filed Apr. 5, 2001; and U.S. Ser. No. 09/972,832 filed Oct. 5, 2001, are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. Many of the methods described above may omit some of the described steps, include additional steps, and/or perform some or all of the steps in a different order.
- These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention so that specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to include all biomedical device design and manufacturing machine methods and apparatus that operate in accordance with the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/882,449 US20040243481A1 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2004-07-01 | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US19496500P | 2000-04-05 | 2000-04-05 | |
US09/828,504 US20020007294A1 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2001-04-05 | System and method for rapidly customizing a design and remotely manufacturing biomedical devices using a computer system |
US09/972,832 US6772026B2 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2001-10-05 | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices |
US10/882,449 US20040243481A1 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2004-07-01 | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/972,832 Division US6772026B2 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2001-10-05 | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040243481A1 true US20040243481A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 |
Family
ID=26890569
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/972,832 Expired - Lifetime US6772026B2 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2001-10-05 | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices |
US10/882,449 Abandoned US20040243481A1 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2004-07-01 | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/972,832 Expired - Lifetime US6772026B2 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2001-10-05 | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6772026B2 (en) |
Cited By (218)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040196995A1 (en) * | 2003-04-03 | 2004-10-07 | Martin Roth Samuel Hans | Method for manufacturing a body-worn electronic device adapted to the shape of an individual's body area |
US20050010450A1 (en) * | 2003-05-05 | 2005-01-13 | Geodigm Corporation | Method and apparatus for utilizing electronic models of patient teeth in interdisciplinary dental treatment plans |
US20050021037A1 (en) * | 2003-05-29 | 2005-01-27 | Mccombs Daniel L. | Image-guided navigated precision reamers |
US20050148843A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-07-07 | Roose Jeffrey R. | System and method of designing and manufacturing customized instrumentation for accurate implantation of prosthesis by utilizing computed tomography data |
US20060066877A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2006-03-30 | Daniel Benzano | Capture and display of image of three-dimensional object |
US20060184637A1 (en) * | 2001-04-29 | 2006-08-17 | Geodigm Corporation | Method and apparatus for electronic delivery of electronic model images |
WO2006089589A1 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-08-31 | Bense Laszlo | Method and systems for making medical and/or civil information associated with a person accessible for a third party |
US20060239577A1 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2006-10-26 | Piatt Joseph H | Process of using computer modeling, reconstructive modeling and simulation modeling for image guided reconstructive surgery |
EP1738715A1 (en) * | 2005-06-24 | 2007-01-03 | Implant & 3D Planungscenter GbR | System and method for evaluating a dental implant planning |
WO2007045000A2 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | Vantus Technology Corporation | Personal fit medical implants and orthopedic surgical instruments and methods for making |
US20070124018A1 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2007-05-31 | Nokia Corporation | Lead time reduction for manufacturing of tooling |
WO2007079142A3 (en) * | 2005-12-30 | 2007-08-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | System and method for managing data relating to dental products and manufacturing processes |
US20070203605A1 (en) * | 2005-08-19 | 2007-08-30 | Mark Melton | System for biomedical implant creation and procurement |
US20070239376A1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2007-10-11 | Bruce Reiner | Method and apparatus for generating a patient quality assurance scorecard |
US20070269769A1 (en) * | 2006-05-18 | 2007-11-22 | Marcello Marchesi | Method for the guided regeneration of bone and/or periodontal tissues in the medical surgical and dental field and device thus obtainable |
US20080021299A1 (en) * | 2006-07-18 | 2008-01-24 | Meulink Steven L | Method for selecting modular implant components |
WO2008034924A1 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2008-03-27 | Trisermedin, S.L. | Method for obtaining human osseous implants in biocompatible materials |
US20080131833A1 (en) * | 2000-11-08 | 2008-06-05 | Gerhard Weber | Surface mapping and generating devices and methods for surface mapping and surface generation |
EP1935368A2 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-25 | Aepsilon Rechteverwaltungs GmbH | Method regarding the transport of dental prostheses |
US20080153069A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | Stephan Holzner | Method, machine-readable medium and computer concerning the manufacture of dental prostheses |
US20080193899A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2008-08-14 | Nobel Biocare Services Ag | Method and System for Coloring or Tinting a Prosthesis, and Such a Prosthesis |
US20080206714A1 (en) * | 2004-08-17 | 2008-08-28 | Schmitt Stephen M | Design and manufacture of dental implant restorations |
US20080262624A1 (en) * | 2007-04-17 | 2008-10-23 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-Modified Implant And Associated Method |
WO2008129561A2 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2008-10-30 | Techpassion Technologies Pvt. Limited | Real-time system and method for designing structures |
WO2008024794A3 (en) * | 2006-08-22 | 2008-11-27 | Sonitus Medical Inc | Systems for manufacturing oral-based hearing aid appliances |
WO2008151601A2 (en) * | 2007-06-12 | 2008-12-18 | Ralph Gunnar Luthardt | Method for flexible network based data processing for producing patient-specific medicinal products |
WO2009012290A1 (en) * | 2007-07-16 | 2009-01-22 | Indiana University Research And Technology Corporation | Anatomically realistic three dimensional phantoms for imaging |
WO2009035358A1 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2009-03-19 | Universidade Do Minho | System for automatic and personalized modelling/bending of surgical prosthesis for correction of pectus excavatum based on pre-surgical imaging information |
US20090138020A1 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-05-28 | Otismed Corporation | Generating mri images usable for the creation of 3d bone models employed to make customized arthroplasty jigs |
US20090149977A1 (en) * | 2007-11-06 | 2009-06-11 | Schendel Stephen A | Methods, systems, and computer program products for shaping medical implants directly from virtual reality models |
US20090149507A1 (en) * | 2004-11-19 | 2009-06-11 | Kirsh Richard L | Method for customized dispensing of variable dose drug combination products for individualizing of therapies |
US7664277B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2010-02-16 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Bone conduction hearing aid devices and methods |
WO2010018568A2 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2010-02-18 | Laskow, Jacob | Preparation of dental implant surgery and prosthesis installation |
US20100049195A1 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2010-02-25 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty system and related methods |
US7682303B2 (en) | 2007-10-02 | 2010-03-23 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US20100105011A1 (en) * | 2008-10-29 | 2010-04-29 | Inpronto Inc. | System, Method And Apparatus For Tooth Implant Planning And Tooth Implant Kits |
US20100105009A1 (en) * | 2008-10-29 | 2010-04-29 | Inpronto Inc. | System, Method And Apparatus For Tooth Implants |
US20100114249A1 (en) * | 2008-10-31 | 2010-05-06 | Medtronic, Inc. | Non-hermetic direct current interconnect |
US20100114993A1 (en) * | 2008-10-31 | 2010-05-06 | Holschbach Jean M | Data Transformation System and Method |
US20100183201A1 (en) * | 2008-09-18 | 2010-07-22 | Frank Johan Schwab | Adaptive Software and Hardware System for Scientific Image Processsing |
US20100185296A1 (en) * | 2006-07-18 | 2010-07-22 | Zimmer, Inc. | Modular orthopaedic component case |
US7764985B2 (en) | 2003-10-20 | 2010-07-27 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Surgical navigation system component fault interfaces and related processes |
US7794467B2 (en) | 2003-11-14 | 2010-09-14 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Adjustable surgical cutting systems |
US7835811B2 (en) | 2006-10-07 | 2010-11-16 | Voxelogix Corporation | Surgical guides and methods for positioning artificial teeth and dental implants |
US20100292963A1 (en) * | 2009-04-15 | 2010-11-18 | James Schroeder | Personal fit medical implants and orthopedic surgical instruments and methods for making |
US20100332253A1 (en) * | 2008-02-22 | 2010-12-30 | Prasad Adusimilli | Systems and Methods for Providing Customized Dentures |
US7862570B2 (en) | 2003-10-03 | 2011-01-04 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Surgical positioners |
US20110015636A1 (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2011-01-20 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-Specific Elbow Guides and Associated Methods |
US20110092804A1 (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2011-04-21 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-Specific Pre-Operative Planning |
US7945068B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2011-05-17 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Dental bone conduction hearing appliance |
US20110129792A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2011-06-02 | Berckmans Iii Bruce | Method of creating an accurate bone and soft-tissue digital dental model |
US7974845B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2011-07-05 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Stuttering treatment methods and apparatus |
US8023676B2 (en) | 2008-03-03 | 2011-09-20 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods to provide communication and monitoring of user status |
US20110257941A1 (en) * | 2010-04-19 | 2011-10-20 | Sebastian Magro | System and automated method for creating drawings online for product manufacturing |
US8070752B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2011-12-06 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific alignment guide and inter-operative adjustment |
US8086313B2 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2011-12-27 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical device with anti-infection agent |
US8092465B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2012-01-10 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US8109942B2 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2012-02-07 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Computer-aided methods, systems, and apparatuses for shoulder arthroplasty |
WO2012027185A1 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2012-03-01 | Siemens Corporation | Semi-automatic customization of plates for internal fracture fixation |
US8133234B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2012-03-13 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific acetabular guide and method |
US20120071998A1 (en) * | 2010-09-17 | 2012-03-22 | The Boeing Company | Point Cloud Generation System |
US8150075B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2012-04-03 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Dental bone conduction hearing appliance |
US8160345B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-04-17 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty |
US8170641B2 (en) | 2009-02-20 | 2012-05-01 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Method of imaging an extremity of a patient |
US20120116203A1 (en) * | 2010-11-10 | 2012-05-10 | Wilfried Vancraen | Additive manufacturing flow for the production of patient-specific devices comprising unique patient-specific identifiers |
US8177788B2 (en) | 2005-02-22 | 2012-05-15 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | In-line milling system |
US8185224B2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2012-05-22 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for manufacturing dental implant components |
US8206153B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2012-06-26 | Biomet 3I, Inc. | Method for selecting implant components |
US8224013B2 (en) | 2007-08-27 | 2012-07-17 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Headset systems and methods |
US8221121B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2012-07-17 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for pre-operative visualization of instrumentation used with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US8221430B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2012-07-17 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs |
US8241293B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2012-08-14 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific high tibia osteotomy |
US8257083B2 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2012-09-04 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth |
US8265949B2 (en) | 2007-09-27 | 2012-09-11 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Customized patient surgical plan |
US8270638B2 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2012-09-18 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods to provide communication, positioning and monitoring of user status |
US8270637B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2012-09-18 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Headset systems and methods |
US8280478B2 (en) | 2004-04-29 | 2012-10-02 | Medtronic, Inc. | Evaluation of implantation site for implantation of implantable medical device |
US8282646B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2012-10-09 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US8298237B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2012-10-30 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-specific alignment guide for multiple incisions |
US8311306B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-11-13 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty |
US8343159B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2013-01-01 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Orthopaedic bone saw and method of use thereof |
US8348669B1 (en) | 2009-11-04 | 2013-01-08 | Bankruptcy Estate Of Voxelogix Corporation | Surgical template and method for positioning dental casts and dental implants |
US8357111B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2013-01-22 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Method and system for designing patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments |
US8397732B2 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2013-03-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantation of low-profile implantable medical device |
US8407067B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2013-03-26 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US8423318B1 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2013-04-16 | The Boeing Company | Object management system |
US8433080B2 (en) | 2007-08-22 | 2013-04-30 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Bone conduction hearing device with open-ear microphone |
US20130111339A1 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-02 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Computing device, storage medium and method for analyzing step formatted file of measurement graphics |
US8460302B2 (en) | 2006-12-18 | 2013-06-11 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty devices and related methods |
US8460303B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2013-06-11 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty systems and devices, and related methods |
US8473305B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2013-06-25 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US8480679B2 (en) | 2008-04-29 | 2013-07-09 | Otismed Corporation | Generation of a computerized bone model representative of a pre-degenerated state and useable in the design and manufacture of arthroplasty devices |
US8532807B2 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2013-09-10 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic procedure |
US8535387B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-09-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific tools and implants |
USD691719S1 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2013-10-15 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty jig blank |
US8556162B2 (en) | 2011-11-21 | 2013-10-15 | The Boeing Company | Component programming system |
US8568487B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-10-29 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific hip joint devices |
US8591516B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-11-26 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific orthopedic instruments |
US8597365B2 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2013-12-03 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific pelvic implants for acetabular reconstruction |
US8603180B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-12-10 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular alignment guides |
US8608749B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-12-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guides and associated instruments |
US8608748B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-12-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific guides |
US8617175B2 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2013-12-31 | Otismed Corporation | Unicompartmental customized arthroplasty cutting jigs and methods of making the same |
US8617171B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2013-12-31 | Otismed Corporation | Preoperatively planning an arthroplasty procedure and generating a corresponding patient specific arthroplasty resection guide |
US8632547B2 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2014-01-21 | Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc | Patient-specific osteotomy devices and methods |
US8668700B2 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2014-03-11 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific convertible guides |
WO2014062797A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-24 | Numera | Methods for configuring biometric devices for transmitting health information |
US8715289B2 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2014-05-06 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific numerically controlled instrument |
US8715291B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2014-05-06 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty system and related methods |
US8737700B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2014-05-27 | Otismed Corporation | Preoperatively planning an arthroplasty procedure and generating a corresponding patient specific arthroplasty resection guide |
US8734455B2 (en) | 2008-02-29 | 2014-05-27 | Otismed Corporation | Hip resurfacing surgical guide tool |
US8764760B2 (en) | 2011-07-01 | 2014-07-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific bone-cutting guidance instruments and methods |
US8777612B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2014-07-15 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Components for use with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US8777875B2 (en) | 2008-07-23 | 2014-07-15 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs having improved mating accuracy |
US8795172B2 (en) | 2007-12-07 | 2014-08-05 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods to provide two-way communications |
US8801719B2 (en) | 2002-05-15 | 2014-08-12 | Otismed Corporation | Total joint arthroplasty system |
JP2014173979A (en) * | 2013-03-08 | 2014-09-22 | Nihon Medi Physics Co Ltd | Heart model and manufacturing method thereof |
US8858561B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2014-10-14 | Blomet Manufacturing, LLC | Patient-specific alignment guide |
US8864769B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2014-10-21 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Alignment guides with patient-specific anchoring elements |
US8882508B2 (en) | 2010-12-07 | 2014-11-11 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Universal scanning member for use on dental implant and dental implant analogs |
US8926328B2 (en) | 2012-12-27 | 2015-01-06 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Jigs for placing dental implant analogs in models and methods of doing the same |
US8944816B2 (en) | 2011-05-16 | 2015-02-03 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Temporary abutment with combination of scanning features and provisionalization features |
US8956364B2 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2015-02-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific partial knee guides and other instruments |
US20150057785A1 (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2015-02-26 | Xyzprinting, Inc. | Three-dimensional printing apparatus and three-dimensional preview and printing method thereof |
US9017336B2 (en) | 2006-02-15 | 2015-04-28 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty devices and related methods |
US9060788B2 (en) | 2012-12-11 | 2015-06-23 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guide for anterior approach |
US9066734B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2015-06-30 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific sacroiliac guides and associated methods |
US9066727B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2015-06-30 | Materialise Nv | Patient-specific computed tomography guides |
US9084618B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2015-07-21 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Drill guides for confirming alignment of patient-specific alignment guides |
US9084901B2 (en) | 2006-04-28 | 2015-07-21 | Medtronic, Inc. | Cranial implant |
US9089382B2 (en) | 2012-01-23 | 2015-07-28 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method and apparatus for recording spatial gingival soft tissue relationship to implant placement within alveolar bone for immediate-implant placement |
US9113971B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2015-08-25 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Femoral acetabular impingement guide |
US9162072B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2015-10-20 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical device with lubricious material |
US9173661B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2015-11-03 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific alignment guide with cutting surface and laser indicator |
US9204977B2 (en) | 2012-12-11 | 2015-12-08 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guide for anterior approach |
US9237950B2 (en) | 2012-02-02 | 2016-01-19 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Implant with patient-specific porous structure |
US9241745B2 (en) | 2011-03-07 | 2016-01-26 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoral version guide |
US9271744B2 (en) | 2010-09-29 | 2016-03-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific guide for partial acetabular socket replacement |
US9289253B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2016-03-22 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific shoulder guide |
US9295497B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2016-03-29 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific sacroiliac and pedicle guides |
US9301812B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2016-04-05 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Methods for patient-specific shoulder arthroplasty |
US20160129637A1 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2016-05-12 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Semantic medical image to 3d print of anatomic structure |
US9339278B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2016-05-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guides and associated instruments |
US9351743B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2016-05-31 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guides |
WO2016109576A1 (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-07-07 | Data I/O Corporation | Automated manufacturing system with job packaging mechanism and method of operation thereof |
US9386993B2 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2016-07-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoroacetabular impingement instruments and methods |
US9393028B2 (en) | 2009-08-13 | 2016-07-19 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Device for the resection of bones, method for producing such a device, endoprosthesis suited for this purpose and method for producing such an endoprosthesis |
US9402637B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2016-08-02 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | Customized arthroplasty cutting guides and surgical methods using the same |
US9408616B2 (en) | 2014-05-12 | 2016-08-09 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Humeral cut guide |
US9451973B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2016-09-27 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific glenoid guide |
US9452032B2 (en) | 2012-01-23 | 2016-09-27 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Soft tissue preservation temporary (shell) immediate-implant abutment with biological active surface |
US9468538B2 (en) | 2009-03-24 | 2016-10-18 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for aligning and securing an implant relative to a patient |
US9498233B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2016-11-22 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc. | Universal acetabular guide and associated hardware |
US9508106B1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2016-11-29 | David A. Salamassy | Method and system for provisioning of dental implants and related services |
US9517145B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-12-13 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Guide alignment system and method |
US9554910B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2017-01-31 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guide and implants |
US9561040B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 | 2017-02-07 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid depth control |
DE102015215587A1 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2017-02-16 | Nt-Trading Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method for producing a bone replacement piece |
US9579107B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2017-02-28 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Multi-point fit for patient specific guide |
WO2017061658A1 (en) * | 2015-10-08 | 2017-04-13 | 정진식 | Remote medical information communication method and system using mobile communication terminal |
US9642633B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2017-05-09 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures |
US9668834B2 (en) | 2013-12-20 | 2017-06-06 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Dental system for developing custom prostheses through scanning of coded members |
US9675400B2 (en) | 2011-04-19 | 2017-06-13 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific fracture fixation instrumentation and method |
US9700390B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2017-07-11 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Soft-tissue preservation arrangement and method |
US20170196578A1 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2017-07-13 | Rz-Medizintechnik Gmbh | Method for manufacturing surgical instrument |
US9795399B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2017-10-24 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US9808262B2 (en) | 2006-02-15 | 2017-11-07 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | Arthroplasty devices and related methods |
US9820868B2 (en) | 2015-03-30 | 2017-11-21 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for a pin apparatus |
US9826981B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2017-11-28 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Tangential fit of patient-specific guides |
US9826994B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2017-11-28 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Adjustable glenoid pin insertion guide |
US9833245B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2017-12-05 | Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc | Tibial tubercule osteotomy |
US9839436B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 | 2017-12-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid depth control |
US9839438B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2017-12-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guide with a reusable guide holder |
WO2018017488A1 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2018-01-25 | ProSomnus Sleep Technologies, Inc. | Computer aided design matrix for the manufacture of dental devices |
US9907659B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2018-03-06 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US9918740B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2018-03-20 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Backup surgical instrument system and method |
US9968376B2 (en) | 2010-11-29 | 2018-05-15 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific orthopedic instruments |
US9987024B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2018-06-05 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures |
US10226262B2 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2019-03-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific humeral guide designs |
US10278711B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2019-05-07 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoral guide |
US10282488B2 (en) | 2014-04-25 | 2019-05-07 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | HTO guide with optional guided ACL/PCL tunnels |
US10380922B2 (en) | 2016-06-03 | 2019-08-13 | Sofradim Production | Abdominal model for laparoscopic abdominal wall repair/reconstruction simulation |
USD857893S1 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2019-08-27 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Cortical surgical guide |
US10398417B2 (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2019-09-03 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Systems and methods for manufacturing custom surgical instruments |
USD858765S1 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2019-09-03 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Cortical surgical guide |
US10405993B2 (en) | 2013-11-13 | 2019-09-10 | Tornier Sas | Shoulder patient specific instrument |
US10449018B2 (en) | 2015-03-09 | 2019-10-22 | Stephen J. Chu | Gingival ovate pontic and methods of using the same |
US10484805B2 (en) | 2009-10-02 | 2019-11-19 | Soundmed, Llc | Intraoral appliance for sound transmission via bone conduction |
US10492798B2 (en) | 2011-07-01 | 2019-12-03 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Backup kit for a patient-specific arthroplasty kit assembly |
US10568647B2 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2020-02-25 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific humeral guide designs |
US10603179B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2020-03-31 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific augments |
US10653454B2 (en) | 2007-07-13 | 2020-05-19 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Spinal fixation systems |
US10716676B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2020-07-21 | Tornier Sas | Method for modeling a glenoid surface of a scapula, apparatus for implanting a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis, and method for producing such a component |
WO2020106243A3 (en) * | 2018-07-04 | 2020-07-23 | Ozgur Kocaturk | An implant bar forming device and method |
US10722310B2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2020-07-28 | Zimmer Biomet CMF and Thoracic, LLC | Virtual surgery planning system and method |
US10743890B2 (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2020-08-18 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Drill apparatus and surgical fixation devices and methods for using the same |
USD895111S1 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2020-09-01 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Sacro-iliac guide |
US10813729B2 (en) | 2012-09-14 | 2020-10-27 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Temporary dental prosthesis for use in developing final dental prosthesis |
US10827098B2 (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2020-11-03 | Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. | Custom product imaging method |
US10827097B2 (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2020-11-03 | Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. | Product imaging |
WO2021050118A1 (en) * | 2019-09-11 | 2021-03-18 | Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. | Custom product imaging method |
US10959742B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2021-03-30 | Tornier, Inc. | Patient specific humeral cutting guides |
US11039889B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2021-06-22 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures |
US11051829B2 (en) | 2018-06-26 | 2021-07-06 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument |
US11065056B2 (en) | 2016-03-24 | 2021-07-20 | Sofradim Production | System and method of generating a model and simulating an effect on a surgical repair site |
US11065016B2 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2021-07-20 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Patient specific instruments and methods for joint prosthesis |
US11112769B2 (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2021-09-07 | Advanced Solutions Life Sciences, Llc | System and workstation for the design, fabrication and assembly of bio-material constructs |
USD932626S1 (en) | 2020-05-13 | 2021-10-05 | ProSomnus Sleep Technologies, Inc. | Mandibular advancement device with comfort bumps |
US11166733B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2021-11-09 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Guides and instruments for improving accuracy of glenoid implant placement |
US20210350313A1 (en) * | 2019-04-22 | 2021-11-11 | Andrew Thomas Busey | Computer-implemented adaptive subscription models for consumer packaged goods |
US11179165B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2021-11-23 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Ligament guide registration |
US11219511B2 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2022-01-11 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth |
USD948717S1 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2022-04-12 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Sacro-iliac guide |
US11376054B2 (en) | 2018-04-17 | 2022-07-05 | Stryker European Operations Limited | On-demand implant customization in a surgical setting |
US11376073B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2022-07-05 | Mighty Oak Medical Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures |
US11419618B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2022-08-23 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guides |
US11633254B2 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2023-04-25 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus for use in augmented reality assisted surgical procedures and methods for using the same |
US11806197B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2023-11-07 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus for use in spine related surgical procedures and methods for using the same |
Families Citing this family (321)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9603711B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2017-03-28 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient-adapted and improved articular implants, designs and related guide tools |
US8735773B2 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2014-05-27 | Conformis, Inc. | Implant device and method for manufacture |
US20110071802A1 (en) * | 2009-02-25 | 2011-03-24 | Ray Bojarski | Patient-adapted and improved articular implants, designs and related guide tools |
US7618451B2 (en) * | 2001-05-25 | 2009-11-17 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools facilitating increased accuracy, speed and simplicity in performing total and partial joint arthroplasty |
US8771365B2 (en) | 2009-02-25 | 2014-07-08 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient-adapted and improved orthopedic implants, designs, and related tools |
US20070233269A1 (en) * | 2001-05-25 | 2007-10-04 | Conformis, Inc. | Interpositional Joint Implant |
US8882847B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2014-11-11 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient selectable knee joint arthroplasty devices |
US10085839B2 (en) | 2004-01-05 | 2018-10-02 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient-specific and patient-engineered orthopedic implants |
US8545569B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2013-10-01 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient selectable knee arthroplasty devices |
US7468075B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2008-12-23 | Conformis, Inc. | Methods and compositions for articular repair |
US8083745B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2011-12-27 | Conformis, Inc. | Surgical tools for arthroplasty |
US8556983B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2013-10-15 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient-adapted and improved orthopedic implants, designs and related tools |
US8480754B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2013-07-09 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient-adapted and improved articular implants, designs and related guide tools |
US20070100462A1 (en) * | 2001-05-25 | 2007-05-03 | Conformis, Inc | Joint Arthroplasty Devices |
US7534263B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2009-05-19 | Conformis, Inc. | Surgical tools facilitating increased accuracy, speed and simplicity in performing joint arthroplasty |
US7239908B1 (en) | 1998-09-14 | 2007-07-03 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Assessing the condition of a joint and devising treatment |
ATE439806T1 (en) | 1998-09-14 | 2009-09-15 | Univ Leland Stanford Junior | DETERMINING THE CONDITION OF A JOINT AND PREVENTING DAMAGE |
US11026768B2 (en) | 1998-10-08 | 2021-06-08 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental appliance reinforcement |
WO2001010339A2 (en) | 1999-08-11 | 2001-02-15 | Case Western Reserve University | Method and apparatus for producing an implant |
US9208558B2 (en) | 1999-08-11 | 2015-12-08 | Osteoplastics Llc | Methods and systems for producing an implant |
US8781557B2 (en) | 1999-08-11 | 2014-07-15 | Osteoplastics, Llc | Producing a three dimensional model of an implant |
US6712856B1 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2004-03-30 | Kinamed, Inc. | Custom replacement device for resurfacing a femur and method of making the same |
AU2001249935A1 (en) * | 2000-04-05 | 2001-10-23 | Therics, Inc. | System and method for rapidly customizing a design and remotely manufacturing biomedical devices using a computer system |
AU2001270613A1 (en) * | 2000-07-04 | 2002-01-14 | 3Di Gmbh | Method for the production of faithfully-reproduced medical implants and epiprostheses and said implants and epiprostheses |
ATE426357T1 (en) | 2000-09-14 | 2009-04-15 | Univ Leland Stanford Junior | ASSESSING THE CONDITION OF A JOINT AND PLANNING TREATMENT |
AU2001290887B2 (en) | 2000-09-14 | 2006-06-08 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Assessing condition of a joint and cartilage loss |
US20020082884A1 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2002-06-27 | Moroney Brady J. | Manufacturing and testing communications system |
US7162439B2 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2007-01-09 | General Electric Company | Workstation configuration and selection method and apparatus |
US8439926B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2013-05-14 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools |
CA2447694A1 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2002-12-05 | Imaging Therapeutics, Inc. | Methods and compositions for articular resurfacing |
US20040205666A1 (en) * | 2001-10-05 | 2004-10-14 | Poynor Todd Allan | System and method for anticipated file editing |
SE0104323D0 (en) * | 2001-12-20 | 2001-12-20 | Matts Andersson | Method and arrangement of implants for preferably human intermediate disc and such implant |
US20030191656A1 (en) * | 2002-04-06 | 2003-10-09 | Staples Peter Ethan | Management of collaborative design process |
US7235195B2 (en) * | 2002-09-06 | 2007-06-26 | Novartis Ag | Method for making opthalmic devices |
GB2393625B (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-08-18 | Internet Tech Ltd | Orthopaedic surgery planning |
US8086336B2 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2011-12-27 | Medical Modeling Inc. | Method for design and production of a custom-fit prosthesis |
TWI231755B (en) | 2002-10-07 | 2005-05-01 | Conformis Inc | An interpositional articular implant and the method for making the same |
JP2006505366A (en) | 2002-11-07 | 2006-02-16 | コンフォーミス・インコーポレイテッド | Method of determining meniscus size and shape and devised treatment |
EP1418013B1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2005-01-19 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Laser-produced porous surface |
US20060147332A1 (en) | 2004-12-30 | 2006-07-06 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Laser-produced porous structure |
CA2506849A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2004-06-17 | Konstantinos Tsougarakis | Fusion of multiple imaging planes for isotropic imaging in mri and quantitative image analysis using isotropic or near-isotropic imaging |
DE10301643B4 (en) * | 2003-01-17 | 2008-02-14 | Ivoclar Vivadent Ag | Process for producing a dental product, in particular a dental restoration, dental restoration device and method for machining |
US20040148193A1 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-07-29 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method, system, and program for managing patient biometric data from patients in a health care environment |
US6993406B1 (en) * | 2003-04-24 | 2006-01-31 | Sandia Corporation | Method for making a bio-compatible scaffold |
DE10319494A1 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2004-11-18 | Mtu Aero Engines Gmbh | Process for repairing and / or modifying components of a gas turbine |
US7185206B2 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2007-02-27 | Goldstein Neil M | Methods for transmitting digitized images |
US7051654B2 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2006-05-30 | Clemson University | Ink-jet printing of viable cells |
WO2005001621A2 (en) * | 2003-06-04 | 2005-01-06 | The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | Ndma scalable archive hardware/software architecture for load balancing, independent processing, and querying of records |
CA2528492A1 (en) * | 2003-06-04 | 2005-01-06 | The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | Ndma db schema dicom to relational schema translation and xml to sql query translation |
CA2528047A1 (en) * | 2003-06-04 | 2004-12-16 | The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | Cross-enterprise wallplug for connecting internal hospital/clinic imaging systems to external storage and retrieval systems |
CA2528471A1 (en) * | 2003-06-04 | 2005-01-06 | The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | Ndma socket transport protocol |
US8460243B2 (en) | 2003-06-10 | 2013-06-11 | Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. | Glucose measuring module and insulin pump combination |
EP1638459A2 (en) * | 2003-06-11 | 2006-03-29 | Case Western Reserve University | Computer-aided-design of skeletal implants |
US7722536B2 (en) | 2003-07-15 | 2010-05-25 | Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. | Glucose measuring device integrated into a holster for a personal area network device |
US9642685B2 (en) | 2003-07-17 | 2017-05-09 | Pentron Clinical Technologies, Llc | Digital technologies for planning and carrying out dental restorative procedures |
TWI338262B (en) * | 2003-07-25 | 2011-03-01 | Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd | A system and method for managing module development |
US8200775B2 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2012-06-12 | Newsilike Media Group, Inc | Enhanced syndication |
US20050038776A1 (en) * | 2003-08-15 | 2005-02-17 | Ramin Cyrus | Information system for biological and life sciences research |
CA2538126A1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2005-05-06 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Modular navigated portal |
US8639484B2 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2014-01-28 | Drexel University | Method and apparatus for computer-aided tissue engineering for modeling, design and freeform fabrication of tissue scaffolds, constructs, and devices |
WO2005057439A1 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2005-06-23 | Centre De Recherche Et De Formation En Implantologie | Methods of commissioning and manufacturing customized dental implants |
CA2483972A1 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2005-06-12 | Centre De Recherche Et De Formation En Implantologie | Methods of commissioning and manufacturing customized dental implants |
JP2007523696A (en) * | 2004-01-16 | 2007-08-23 | スミス アンド ネフュー インコーポレーテッド | Computer-aided ligament balancing in total knee arthroplasty |
US8751031B2 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2014-06-10 | Zircore, Llc | System and method for mass custom manufacturing of dental crowns and crown components |
US7251535B2 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2007-07-31 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Location based diagnostics method and apparatus |
US20050197860A1 (en) * | 2004-02-23 | 2005-09-08 | Rademr, Inc. | Data management system |
US9492245B2 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2016-11-15 | Align Technology, Inc. | Method and system for providing dynamic orthodontic assessment and treatment profiles |
US7725299B2 (en) * | 2004-03-01 | 2010-05-25 | Purdue Research Foundation | Multi-tier and multi-domain distributed rapid product configuration and design system |
US7824346B2 (en) * | 2004-03-11 | 2010-11-02 | Geodigm Corporation | Determining condyle displacement utilizing electronic models of dental impressions having a common coordinate system |
CN100363932C (en) * | 2004-05-26 | 2008-01-23 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Point cloud three-dimensional handling system and method |
WO2005119524A2 (en) | 2004-06-04 | 2005-12-15 | Therasense, Inc. | Diabetes care host-client architecture and data management system |
US20050288808A1 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2005-12-29 | Lopez George A | Computer system for efficient design and manufacture of multiple-component devices |
US7340316B2 (en) * | 2004-06-28 | 2008-03-04 | Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. | System and method for producing medical devices |
US7239937B2 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2007-07-03 | Prosthetic Design, Inc. | Method and associated system for recording and retrieving fabrication and/or fitting data associated with a prosthetic component |
US20060036412A1 (en) * | 2004-08-15 | 2006-02-16 | Hiromichi Takatsuka | Check indicator for computer-aided drafting (CAD) |
US20060058632A1 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-16 | Mcburnett Doyle H | Method of medical modeling |
JP2006107213A (en) * | 2004-10-06 | 2006-04-20 | Canon Inc | Stereoscopic image printing system |
US20060078621A1 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2006-04-13 | Wedinger Robert S | Method of providing customized drug delivery systems |
US8805894B2 (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2014-08-12 | Michael Valdiserri | Interactive 3-dimensional object-oriented database information storage/retrieval system |
US20060100832A1 (en) * | 2004-11-08 | 2006-05-11 | Bowman Gerald D | Method a designing, engineering modeling and manufacturing orthotics and prosthetics integrating algorithm generated predictions |
US20060097422A1 (en) * | 2004-11-08 | 2006-05-11 | Diamond Andrew J | Method for performing surgery and appliances produced thereby |
ES2516644T3 (en) * | 2004-11-19 | 2014-10-31 | Glaxosmithkline Llc | Pharmaceutical product |
US20060115785A1 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | Chunhua Li | Systems and methods for intra-oral drug delivery |
US20060115782A1 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | Chunhua Li | Systems and methods for coating a dental appliance |
JP2006163843A (en) * | 2004-12-07 | 2006-06-22 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Parts management method and parts management program |
US7505829B2 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2009-03-17 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | System, method, and article of manufacture for determining a productivity rate of a manufacturing system |
CN101189612B (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2012-11-28 | 开利公司 | System and method for import and export from a solid modeling program |
US20060129271A1 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2006-06-15 | Pravin Khurana | System, method, and article of manufacture for generating a CAD model indicating an amount of material added or removed from a part to form a feature in the part |
US20060212158A1 (en) * | 2004-12-23 | 2006-09-21 | Robert Miller | System for manufacturing an implant |
US20070189544A1 (en) | 2005-01-15 | 2007-08-16 | Outland Research, Llc | Ambient sound responsive media player |
US20060184800A1 (en) * | 2005-02-16 | 2006-08-17 | Outland Research, Llc | Method and apparatus for using age and/or gender recognition techniques to customize a user interface |
US20080195483A1 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2008-08-14 | Moore James F | Widget management systems and advertising systems related thereto |
US20070106754A1 (en) * | 2005-09-10 | 2007-05-10 | Moore James F | Security facility for maintaining health care data pools |
US20060265489A1 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2006-11-23 | Moore James F | Disaster management using an enhanced syndication platform |
US8700738B2 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2014-04-15 | Newsilike Media Group, Inc. | Dynamic feed generation |
US9202084B2 (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2015-12-01 | Newsilike Media Group, Inc. | Security facility for maintaining health care data pools |
US8200700B2 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2012-06-12 | Newsilike Media Group, Inc | Systems and methods for use of structured and unstructured distributed data |
US8347088B2 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2013-01-01 | Newsilike Media Group, Inc | Security systems and methods for use with structured and unstructured data |
US20070050446A1 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2007-03-01 | Moore James F | Managing network-accessible resources |
US8140482B2 (en) | 2007-09-19 | 2012-03-20 | Moore James F | Using RSS archives |
US20080046471A1 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2008-02-21 | Moore James F | Calendar Synchronization using Syndicated Data |
US9427496B2 (en) | 2005-02-18 | 2016-08-30 | Drexel University | Method for creating an internal transport system within tissue scaffolds using computer-aided tissue engineering |
US7123986B2 (en) * | 2005-03-07 | 2006-10-17 | The Protomold Company, Inc. | Family molding |
US7797320B2 (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2010-09-14 | Hyperion Solutions Corporation | Dimensionality reduction |
CA2601681A1 (en) * | 2005-03-24 | 2006-10-05 | The Ex One Company | Three-dimensional data extraction using ray casting |
US7089082B1 (en) * | 2005-04-25 | 2006-08-08 | The Protomold Company, Inc. | Automated multi-customer molding |
DE102005035475B4 (en) * | 2005-07-28 | 2019-08-08 | Institut Straumann Ag | Method, computer-readable medium, computer program relating to the production of dental prostheses |
US8176101B2 (en) | 2006-02-07 | 2012-05-08 | Google Inc. | Collaborative rejection of media for physical establishments |
US7917148B2 (en) | 2005-09-23 | 2011-03-29 | Outland Research, Llc | Social musical media rating system and method for localized establishments |
CN101370441B (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2013-11-13 | 拜奥美特3i有限责任公司 | Methods for manufacturing dental implant components |
US10105207B2 (en) | 2005-10-25 | 2018-10-23 | Globus Medical, Inc. | Porous and nonporous materials for tissue grafting and repair |
US8029575B2 (en) * | 2005-10-25 | 2011-10-04 | Globus Medical, Inc. | Porous and nonporous materials for tissue grafting and repair |
US8728387B2 (en) | 2005-12-06 | 2014-05-20 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Laser-produced porous surface |
US8623026B2 (en) | 2006-02-06 | 2014-01-07 | Conformis, Inc. | Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools incorporating anatomical relief |
EP2649951A3 (en) | 2006-02-06 | 2013-12-25 | ConforMIS, Inc. | Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools |
FR2898501B1 (en) * | 2006-03-15 | 2008-05-30 | Obl Sa | TEMPOROMANDIBULAR PROTHETIC IMPLANT AND PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME |
US8231634B2 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2012-07-31 | Zimmer, Inc. | Methods of predetermining the contour of a resected bone surface and assessing the fit of a prosthesis on the bone |
US8246663B2 (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2012-08-21 | Scott Lovald | Osteosynthesis plate, method of customizing same, and method for installing same |
US7933472B1 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2011-04-26 | Datcard Systems, Inc. | System for remotely generating and distributing DICOM-compliant media volumes |
JP4894369B2 (en) * | 2006-06-19 | 2012-03-14 | 富士通株式会社 | 3D model image processing device |
US20080021877A1 (en) * | 2006-07-20 | 2008-01-24 | Terarecon, Inc. | Medical image processing system in a wide-area network environment |
US20080027974A1 (en) * | 2006-07-24 | 2008-01-31 | Collins Donald W | Intensity modulated radiation therapy filtration apparatus, system and method |
US20080046369A1 (en) * | 2006-07-27 | 2008-02-21 | Wood Charles B | Password Management for RSS Interfaces |
US20080050692A1 (en) * | 2006-08-22 | 2008-02-28 | Jack Keith Hilliard | System and method for fabricating orthodontic aligners |
US20120150243A9 (en) * | 2006-08-31 | 2012-06-14 | Catholic Healthcare West (Chw) | Computerized Planning Tool For Spine Surgery and Method and Device for Creating a Customized Guide for Implantations |
JP4792504B2 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2011-10-12 | 株式会社松風 | Modeling data creation system, manufacturing method and modeling data creation program |
US9539062B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2017-01-10 | Natural Dental Implants, Ag | Methods of designing and manufacturing customized dental prosthesis for periodontal or osseointegration and related systems |
US8602780B2 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2013-12-10 | Natural Dental Implants, Ag | Customized dental prosthesis for periodontal or osseointegration and related systems and methods |
US10426578B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2019-10-01 | Natural Dental Implants, Ag | Customized dental prosthesis for periodontal or osseointegration and related systems |
US9642986B2 (en) * | 2006-11-08 | 2017-05-09 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Resource information key for an insertable medical device |
KR100730343B1 (en) * | 2006-11-21 | 2007-06-19 | 주식회사 레이 | Manufacturing method and apparatus of artificial teeth using dental ct |
DE102007002144A1 (en) * | 2007-01-15 | 2008-07-17 | Aepsilon Rechteverwaltungs Gmbh | Procedures relating to implants and a computer-readable medium and a computer |
WO2008101090A2 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2008-08-21 | Conformis, Inc. | Implant device and method for manufacture |
EP2129317B1 (en) * | 2007-03-06 | 2014-11-05 | The Cleveland Clinic Foundation | Method for preparing for a surgical procedure |
US20070255595A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2007-11-01 | Nickell Robert P | Pharmaceutical compound business methodology and software |
US7785218B2 (en) | 2007-03-26 | 2010-08-31 | Acushnet Company | Custom milled iron set |
DE102007014985A1 (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-02 | Aepsilon Rechteverwaltungs Gmbh | Method of making dental prostheses, method of creating a dataset and computer readable medium |
WO2008120183A1 (en) * | 2007-04-01 | 2008-10-09 | Objet Geometries Ltd. | Method and system for three-dimensional fabrication |
US8275180B2 (en) * | 2007-08-02 | 2012-09-25 | Align Technology, Inc. | Mapping abnormal dental references |
US7878805B2 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2011-02-01 | Align Technology, Inc. | Tabbed dental appliance |
US8099268B2 (en) * | 2007-05-25 | 2012-01-17 | Align Technology, Inc. | Tooth modeling |
WO2008157412A2 (en) | 2007-06-13 | 2008-12-24 | Conformis, Inc. | Surgical cutting guide |
CA2694554C (en) * | 2007-07-27 | 2016-05-31 | Vorum Research Corporation | Method, apparatus, media and signals for producing a representation of a mold |
US9179983B2 (en) | 2007-08-14 | 2015-11-10 | Zimmer, Inc. | Method of determining a contour of an anatomical structure and selecting an orthopaedic implant to replicate the anatomical structure |
WO2011106399A1 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2011-09-01 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Customized patient-specific bone cutting blocks |
US9173662B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2015-11-03 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Customized patient-specific tibial cutting blocks |
US8644975B2 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2014-02-04 | Nike, Inc. | Display card for custom-manufactured item and method |
US20100332248A1 (en) * | 2007-10-12 | 2010-12-30 | Nobel Biocare Services Ag | Computer implemented planning and providing of mass customized bone structure |
EP2206088A4 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2012-04-25 | Vorum Res Corp | Method, apparatus, media, and signals for applying a shape transformation to a three dimensional representation |
US8738394B2 (en) | 2007-11-08 | 2014-05-27 | Eric E. Kuo | Clinical data file |
WO2009076296A2 (en) | 2007-12-06 | 2009-06-18 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Systems and methods for determining the mechanical axis of a femur |
US8682052B2 (en) | 2008-03-05 | 2014-03-25 | Conformis, Inc. | Implants for altering wear patterns of articular surfaces |
CA2717760C (en) * | 2008-03-05 | 2016-03-29 | Conformis, Inc. | Edge-matched articular implant |
US8108189B2 (en) | 2008-03-25 | 2012-01-31 | Align Technologies, Inc. | Reconstruction of non-visible part of tooth |
US8549888B2 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2013-10-08 | Nuvasive, Inc. | System and device for designing and forming a surgical implant |
US7957831B2 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2011-06-07 | Isaacs Robert E | System and device for designing and forming a surgical implant |
US20090281623A1 (en) * | 2008-05-12 | 2009-11-12 | Medtronic, Inc. | Customization of implantable medical devices |
WO2009140294A1 (en) | 2008-05-12 | 2009-11-19 | Conformis, Inc. | Devices and methods for treatment of facet and other joints |
US9492243B2 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2016-11-15 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental implant positioning |
US8092215B2 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2012-01-10 | Align Technology, Inc. | Smile designer |
US8172569B2 (en) | 2008-06-12 | 2012-05-08 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental appliance |
EP2313868B1 (en) * | 2008-07-18 | 2016-03-16 | Vorum Research Corporation | Method, apparatus, signals and media for producing a computer representation of a three-dimensional surface of an appliance for a living body |
JP2011530387A (en) * | 2008-08-14 | 2011-12-22 | アーケマ・インコーポレイテッド | Customized implants for bone replacement |
US8078440B2 (en) | 2008-09-19 | 2011-12-13 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Operatively tuning implants for increased performance |
US8152518B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2012-04-10 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental positioning appliance having metallic portion |
US10002324B1 (en) | 2008-10-31 | 2018-06-19 | Emergent Systems Corporation | Method for determining data quality in a knowledge management system |
EP2350934A4 (en) * | 2008-10-31 | 2014-08-13 | Zimmer Inc | Methods for manufacturing, inventorying, and supplying medical components |
CN102227739A (en) | 2008-12-02 | 2011-10-26 | 捷迈公司 | Mass production of individualized medical devices |
US7991498B2 (en) * | 2009-02-03 | 2011-08-02 | Objet Geometries Ltd. | Method and system for building painted three-dimensional objects |
US9017334B2 (en) | 2009-02-24 | 2015-04-28 | Microport Orthopedics Holdings Inc. | Patient specific surgical guide locator and mount |
US8808303B2 (en) | 2009-02-24 | 2014-08-19 | Microport Orthopedics Holdings Inc. | Orthopedic surgical guide |
US8808297B2 (en) | 2009-02-24 | 2014-08-19 | Microport Orthopedics Holdings Inc. | Orthopedic surgical guide |
WO2010099231A2 (en) | 2009-02-24 | 2010-09-02 | Conformis, Inc. | Automated systems for manufacturing patient-specific orthopedic implants and instrumentation |
US9687348B2 (en) | 2009-03-03 | 2017-06-27 | The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York | Method of making a personalized bone graft |
US8292617B2 (en) | 2009-03-19 | 2012-10-23 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental wire attachment |
EP2415025B1 (en) | 2009-03-31 | 2017-07-26 | Vorum Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for applying a rotational transform to a portion of a three-dimensional representation of an appliance for a living body |
EP2419035B1 (en) | 2009-04-16 | 2017-07-05 | ConforMIS, Inc. | Patient-specific joint arthroplasty methods for ligament repair |
US9330406B2 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2016-05-03 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Method and system for sales of golf equipment |
US8765031B2 (en) | 2009-08-13 | 2014-07-01 | Align Technology, Inc. | Method of forming a dental appliance |
US9245064B2 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2016-01-26 | Ice Edge Business Solutions | Securely sharing design renderings over a network |
EP2538855A4 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2016-08-03 | Depuy Products Inc | Customized patient-specific tibial cutting blocks |
ES2704658T3 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2019-03-19 | Depuy Products Inc | Custom patient-specific bone cutting blocks |
WO2011106407A1 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2011-09-01 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Method of fabricating customized patient-specific bone cutting blocks |
US9579106B2 (en) | 2010-03-31 | 2017-02-28 | New York Society For The Relief Of The Ruptured And Crippled, Maintaining The Hospital For Special Surgery | Shoulder arthroplasty instrumentation |
US9375303B1 (en) * | 2010-04-15 | 2016-06-28 | Zimmer, Inc. | Methods of ordering and manufacturing orthopedic components |
US9241774B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2016-01-26 | Align Technology, Inc. | Patterned dental positioning appliance |
US9211166B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2015-12-15 | Align Technology, Inc. | Individualized orthodontic treatment index |
US8630869B2 (en) | 2010-05-07 | 2014-01-14 | Imagdent Management And Development Services, L.L.C. | Dental implant system and method |
AU2011265254B2 (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2016-05-19 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Patient-matched instruments |
CA2802119C (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2019-03-26 | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center | Method of forming patient-specific implant |
US8908937B2 (en) | 2010-07-08 | 2014-12-09 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and device for digital image templating |
JP6027533B2 (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2016-11-16 | ケース ウェスタン リザーブ ユニバーシティCase Western Reserve University | Additional manufacturing of implants by continuous digital light processing |
US11865785B2 (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2024-01-09 | H. David Dean | Continuous digital light processing additive manufacturing of implants |
US8905742B2 (en) * | 2010-09-17 | 2014-12-09 | Synerdyne Corporation | Compact rotary platen 3D printer |
EP2632350B1 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2021-09-22 | The Cleveland Clinic Foundation | System of preoperative planning and provision of patient-specific surgical aids |
US20120276509A1 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2012-11-01 | The Cleveland Clinic Foundation | System of preoperative planning and provision of patient-specific surgical aids |
ES2751360T3 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2020-03-31 | Cleveland Clinic Found | System and method for the association of a guide device with a patient tissue |
US8917290B2 (en) | 2011-01-31 | 2014-12-23 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Digital image templating |
CN103476363B (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2017-06-30 | 康复米斯公司 | Operation and the instrument of change and/or asymmetry are dissected in improved suitable patient's type joint implant and treatment, assessment, correction, modification and/or adaptation |
US10136845B2 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2018-11-27 | Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. | Devices, systems, and methods associated with analyte monitoring devices and devices incorporating the same |
US8579620B2 (en) * | 2011-03-02 | 2013-11-12 | Andy Wu | Single-action three-dimensional model printing methods |
CN102729476B (en) * | 2011-04-11 | 2014-10-15 | 研能科技股份有限公司 | Controlling method for stereo-prototyping mechanism |
CA2835618C (en) | 2011-05-11 | 2021-02-23 | The Cleveland Clinic Foundation | Generating patient specific instruments for use as surgical aids |
RU2013158108A (en) | 2011-06-16 | 2015-07-27 | Смит Энд Нефью, Инк. | SURGICAL ALIGNMENT USING GUIDELINES |
US20120331422A1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2012-12-27 | Gemvision Corporation, LLC | Custom Jewelry Configurator |
US8641721B2 (en) | 2011-06-30 | 2014-02-04 | DePuy Synthes Products, LLC | Customized patient-specific orthopaedic pin guides |
WO2013011343A1 (en) * | 2011-07-19 | 2013-01-24 | Sculpteo | Method for creating personalized functional objects, computer, computer readable medium and computer program related thereto |
CA2842837A1 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2013-01-31 | The Curators Of The University Of Missouri | Engineered comestible meat |
US9403238B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2016-08-02 | Align Technology, Inc. | Laser cutting |
WO2013087082A1 (en) | 2011-12-14 | 2013-06-20 | Stryker Leibinger Gmbh & Co. Kg | Technique for generating a bone plate design |
US9408686B1 (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2016-08-09 | Conformis, Inc. | Devices, systems and methods for manufacturing orthopedic implants |
US9375300B2 (en) | 2012-02-02 | 2016-06-28 | Align Technology, Inc. | Identifying forces on a tooth |
US9220580B2 (en) | 2012-03-01 | 2015-12-29 | Align Technology, Inc. | Determining a dental treatment difficulty |
US9486226B2 (en) | 2012-04-18 | 2016-11-08 | Conformis, Inc. | Tibial guides, tools, and techniques for resecting the tibial plateau |
US9208290B2 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2015-12-08 | Gregg S. Homer | External storage of medical device treatment parameters |
US9414897B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2016-08-16 | Align Technology, Inc. | Adjustment of tooth position in a virtual dental model |
US9675471B2 (en) | 2012-06-11 | 2017-06-13 | Conformis, Inc. | Devices, techniques and methods for assessing joint spacing, balancing soft tissues and obtaining desired kinematics for joint implant components |
US9245428B2 (en) | 2012-08-02 | 2016-01-26 | Immersion Corporation | Systems and methods for haptic remote control gaming |
IN2015DN01776A (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2015-05-29 | Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Co | |
US8888480B2 (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2014-11-18 | Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company | Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly |
US20140074272A1 (en) * | 2012-09-13 | 2014-03-13 | Parametric Products Intellectual Holdings, Llc | System for creation of three dimensional printing files |
US9636229B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2017-05-02 | Conformis, Inc. | Solid freeform fabrication of implant components |
US9849019B2 (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2017-12-26 | Conformis, Inc. | Methods and systems for optimizing design and manufacture of implant components using solid freeform fabrication |
US9387083B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-07-12 | Conformis, Inc. | Acquiring and utilizing kinematic information for patient-adapted implants, tools and surgical procedures |
US9569564B2 (en) * | 2013-02-11 | 2017-02-14 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Automated cad process for creating mold packages |
US20140227655A1 (en) * | 2013-02-12 | 2014-08-14 | Ormco Corporation | Integration of model data, surface data, and volumetric data |
US20140259629A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Conformis, Inc. | Devices, methods and systems for forming implant components |
CN109908355B (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-11-15 | 阿普雷奇亚制药有限责任公司 | Fast dispersing dosage form comprising levetiracetam |
US9778648B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2017-10-03 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Systems and methods for remote manufacturing of medical devices |
WO2015038988A1 (en) | 2013-09-13 | 2015-03-19 | Modern Meadow, Inc. | Edible and animal-product-free microcarriers for engineered meat |
US11077607B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2021-08-03 | Made In Space, Inc. | Manufacturing in microgravity and varying external force environments |
US10725451B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2020-07-28 | Made In Space, Inc. | Terrestrial and space-based manufacturing systems |
US20150202045A1 (en) * | 2014-01-23 | 2015-07-23 | Bespa, Inc | Bone Implant Apparatus and Method |
EP3102043A4 (en) | 2014-02-05 | 2017-08-09 | Modern Meadow, Inc. | Dried food products formed from cultured muscle cells |
US10307970B2 (en) | 2014-02-20 | 2019-06-04 | Made In Space, Inc. | In-situ resource preparation and utilization methods |
DE102014210233A1 (en) * | 2014-05-28 | 2015-12-03 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Sharing of computing resources |
US20150360420A1 (en) * | 2014-06-15 | 2015-12-17 | Taipei Medical University | Method for reversed modeling of a biomedical model |
US10029420B1 (en) * | 2014-08-25 | 2018-07-24 | 3D Operations, Inc. | Method of operating a three-dimensional printer |
WO2016040507A1 (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2016-03-17 | xCORNELL UNIVERSITY | System and methods for three-dimensional printing |
US9610141B2 (en) | 2014-09-19 | 2017-04-04 | Align Technology, Inc. | Arch expanding appliance |
US10449016B2 (en) | 2014-09-19 | 2019-10-22 | Align Technology, Inc. | Arch adjustment appliance |
US9889608B2 (en) | 2014-11-10 | 2018-02-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | Matching the scale of independent objects or intelligently scaling objects when 3D printing |
US9744001B2 (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2017-08-29 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental appliance with cavity for an unerupted or erupting tooth |
WO2016082880A1 (en) * | 2014-11-27 | 2016-06-02 | Mobelife N.V. | Bone screw |
US10504386B2 (en) | 2015-01-27 | 2019-12-10 | Align Technology, Inc. | Training method and system for oral-cavity-imaging-and-modeling equipment |
US10070962B1 (en) | 2015-02-13 | 2018-09-11 | Nextstep Arthropedix, LLC | Medical implants having desired surface features and methods of manufacturing |
EP3267336A4 (en) * | 2015-03-05 | 2018-08-15 | Misumi Corporation | Design assistance method |
JP6552253B2 (en) * | 2015-04-14 | 2019-07-31 | 日本碍子株式会社 | Microstructure analysis method of porous body, program thereof and microstructure analysis apparatus |
EP3120796A1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2017-01-25 | Mimedis AG | Method and system for the manufacture of an implant |
RU2018109736A (en) | 2015-08-21 | 2019-09-23 | АПРЕЦИЯ ФАРМАСЬЮТИКАЛЗ ЭлЭлСи | SYSTEM AND HARDWARE UNIT OF 3D PRINTING |
WO2017053433A1 (en) | 2015-09-21 | 2017-03-30 | Modern Meadow, Inc. | Fiber reinforced tissue composites |
US11931222B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2024-03-19 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental attachment formation structures |
US11554000B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2023-01-17 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental attachment formation structure |
US11596502B2 (en) | 2015-12-09 | 2023-03-07 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental attachment placement structure |
US11103330B2 (en) | 2015-12-09 | 2021-08-31 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental attachment placement structure |
US10004564B1 (en) | 2016-01-06 | 2018-06-26 | Paul Beck | Accurate radiographic calibration using multiple images |
US10010372B1 (en) | 2016-01-06 | 2018-07-03 | Paul Beck | Marker Positioning Apparatus |
ES2806990T3 (en) | 2016-02-15 | 2021-02-19 | Modern Meadow Inc | Procedure to manufacture a biofabricated material containing collagen fibrils |
US11135081B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 | 2021-10-05 | Icarus Medical, LLC | Method for automating custom-fitting joint brace |
US11458034B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 | 2022-10-04 | Icarus Medical, LLC | Method for automating body part sizing |
WO2017218947A1 (en) | 2016-06-17 | 2017-12-21 | Align Technology, Inc. | Intraoral appliances with sensing |
US10383705B2 (en) | 2016-06-17 | 2019-08-20 | Align Technology, Inc. | Orthodontic appliance performance monitor |
US10765658B2 (en) | 2016-06-22 | 2020-09-08 | Mastix LLC | Oral compositions delivering therapeutically effective amounts of cannabinoids |
KR20230154476A (en) | 2016-07-27 | 2023-11-08 | 얼라인 테크널러지, 인크. | Intraoral scanner with dental diagnostics capabilities |
CN117257492A (en) | 2016-11-04 | 2023-12-22 | 阿莱恩技术有限公司 | Method and apparatus for dental imaging |
WO2018102702A1 (en) | 2016-12-02 | 2018-06-07 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental appliance features for speech enhancement |
EP3824843A1 (en) | 2016-12-02 | 2021-05-26 | Align Technology, Inc. | Palatal expanders and methods of expanding a palate |
CA3043049A1 (en) | 2016-12-02 | 2018-06-07 | Align Technology, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for customizing rapid palatal expanders using digital models |
US11376101B2 (en) | 2016-12-02 | 2022-07-05 | Align Technology, Inc. | Force control, stop mechanism, regulating structure of removable arch adjustment appliance |
US10548700B2 (en) | 2016-12-16 | 2020-02-04 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental appliance etch template |
WO2018148039A1 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2018-08-16 | 3D Promed, Llc | Methods and systems for designing and customizing wearable and/or implantable devices |
US10779718B2 (en) | 2017-02-13 | 2020-09-22 | Align Technology, Inc. | Cheek retractor and mobile device holder |
US10613515B2 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2020-04-07 | Align Technology, Inc. | Orthodontic appliances including at least partially un-erupted teeth and method of forming them |
KR102447734B1 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2022-09-28 | 에피본, 인크. | System and method for seeding and culturing |
US11045283B2 (en) | 2017-06-09 | 2021-06-29 | Align Technology, Inc. | Palatal expander with skeletal anchorage devices |
US10639134B2 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2020-05-05 | Align Technology, Inc. | Biosensor performance indicator for intraoral appliances |
US10836108B1 (en) | 2017-06-30 | 2020-11-17 | Made In Space, Inc. | System and method for monitoring and inspection of feedstock material for direct feedback into a deposition process |
US10885521B2 (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2021-01-05 | Align Technology, Inc. | Method and apparatuses for interactive ordering of dental aligners |
WO2019018784A1 (en) | 2017-07-21 | 2019-01-24 | Align Technology, Inc. | Palatal contour anchorage |
US11633268B2 (en) | 2017-07-27 | 2023-04-25 | Align Technology, Inc. | Tooth shading, transparency and glazing |
US11166764B2 (en) | 2017-07-27 | 2021-11-09 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Systems and methods for assisting and augmenting surgical procedures |
WO2019035979A1 (en) | 2017-08-15 | 2019-02-21 | Align Technology, Inc. | Buccal corridor assessment and computation |
WO2019036677A1 (en) | 2017-08-17 | 2019-02-21 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental appliance compliance monitoring |
US10357367B2 (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2019-07-23 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Patient-specific mandible graft cage |
US11123827B2 (en) | 2017-09-16 | 2021-09-21 | Kval, Inc. | Method for remotely switching screw feeding into a construction/building-type door assembly machine with an automatic-hinge applicator |
US10813720B2 (en) | 2017-10-05 | 2020-10-27 | Align Technology, Inc. | Interproximal reduction templates |
US10343031B1 (en) | 2017-10-18 | 2019-07-09 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with openwork rib |
WO2019084326A1 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2019-05-02 | Align Technology, Inc. | Alternative bite adjustment structures |
CN111295153B (en) | 2017-10-31 | 2023-06-16 | 阿莱恩技术有限公司 | Dental appliance with selective bite loading and controlled tip staggering |
US11096763B2 (en) | 2017-11-01 | 2021-08-24 | Align Technology, Inc. | Automatic treatment planning |
US11112770B2 (en) | 2017-11-09 | 2021-09-07 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Systems and methods for assisting a surgeon and producing patient-specific medical devices |
US11134862B2 (en) * | 2017-11-10 | 2021-10-05 | Globus Medical, Inc. | Methods of selecting surgical implants and related devices |
AU2018253595A1 (en) | 2017-11-13 | 2019-05-30 | Modern Meadow, Inc. | Biofabricated leather articles having zonal properties |
US11511166B1 (en) | 2017-11-15 | 2022-11-29 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Structured face for golf club head |
US11534974B2 (en) | 2017-11-17 | 2022-12-27 | Align Technology, Inc. | Customized fabrication of orthodontic retainers based on patient anatomy |
US10426424B2 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2019-10-01 | General Electric Company | System and method for generating and performing imaging protocol simulations |
CN114948315A (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2022-08-30 | 阿莱恩技术有限公司 | Sensor for monitoring oral appliance |
US11083586B2 (en) | 2017-12-04 | 2021-08-10 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Systems and methods for multi-planar orthopedic alignment |
WO2019118876A1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2019-06-20 | Align Technology, Inc. | Closed loop adaptive orthodontic treatment methods and apparatuses |
US10980613B2 (en) | 2017-12-29 | 2021-04-20 | Align Technology, Inc. | Augmented reality enhancements for dental practitioners |
KR20200115580A (en) | 2018-01-26 | 2020-10-07 | 얼라인 테크널러지, 인크. | Oral diagnostic scan and tracking |
JP6655105B2 (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2020-02-26 | 株式会社Subaru | Manufacturing auxiliary equipment |
US11432943B2 (en) | 2018-03-14 | 2022-09-06 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Systems and methods for orthopedic implant fixation |
US11937991B2 (en) | 2018-03-27 | 2024-03-26 | Align Technology, Inc. | Dental attachment placement structure |
JP7374121B2 (en) | 2018-04-11 | 2023-11-06 | アライン テクノロジー, インコーポレイテッド | releasable palatal expander |
US11439514B2 (en) | 2018-04-16 | 2022-09-13 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Systems and methods for orthopedic implant fixation |
CN108577994B (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2023-03-31 | 高峰医疗器械(无锡)有限公司 | Dental base for planting |
USD958151S1 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2022-07-19 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Display screen with a graphical user interface for surgical planning |
US11696833B2 (en) | 2018-09-12 | 2023-07-11 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Systems and methods for orthopedic implants |
MX2021008462A (en) | 2019-01-17 | 2021-08-19 | Modern Meadow Inc | Layered collagen materials and methods of making the same. |
SG11202113099QA (en) * | 2019-06-18 | 2021-12-30 | 3D Biolabs Llc | Systems and methods for fabricating a microchannel vascular network device and seeding a microchannel |
TWI734309B (en) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-07-21 | 水星生醫股份有限公司 | Permeable spraying device for making tablets |
US10902944B1 (en) | 2020-01-06 | 2021-01-26 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Patient-specific medical procedures and devices, and associated systems and methods |
US11376076B2 (en) | 2020-01-06 | 2022-07-05 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Patient-specific medical systems, devices, and methods |
US11252560B1 (en) * | 2020-11-25 | 2022-02-15 | Manicka Institute Llc | Secure communications between an implantable biomedical device and authorized parties over the internet |
US11904174B2 (en) | 2020-11-25 | 2024-02-20 | Manicka Institute Llc | Secure communications between an implantable biomedical device and authorized parties over the internet |
US11443838B1 (en) | 2022-02-23 | 2022-09-13 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Non-fungible token systems and methods for storing and accessing healthcare data |
US11789682B2 (en) | 2022-03-07 | 2023-10-17 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Printing 3D anatomical models for diagnostic and non-diagnostic uses |
US11897202B2 (en) * | 2022-04-11 | 2024-02-13 | Daniel Todd Rose | Method for 3D printing |
US11806241B1 (en) | 2022-09-22 | 2023-11-07 | Carlsmed, Inc. | System for manufacturing and pre-operative inspecting of patient-specific implants |
US11793577B1 (en) | 2023-01-27 | 2023-10-24 | Carlsmed, Inc. | Techniques to map three-dimensional human anatomy data to two-dimensional human anatomy data |
Citations (88)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4704686A (en) * | 1982-04-10 | 1987-11-03 | Aldinger Guenther | Method of manufacturing of individually formed prothesis or implant |
US4822365A (en) * | 1986-05-30 | 1989-04-18 | Walker Peter S | Method of design of human joint prosthesis |
US4936862A (en) * | 1986-05-30 | 1990-06-26 | Walker Peter S | Method of designing and manufacturing a human joint prosthesis |
US5314457A (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1994-05-24 | Jeutter Dean C | Regenerative electrical |
US5340656A (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1994-08-23 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Three-dimensional printing techniques |
US5360446A (en) * | 1992-12-18 | 1994-11-01 | Zimmer, Inc. | Interactive prosthesis design system for implantable prosthesis |
US5370692A (en) * | 1992-08-14 | 1994-12-06 | Guild Associates, Inc. | Rapid, customized bone prosthesis |
US5434611A (en) * | 1991-12-16 | 1995-07-18 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Home health care system which employs a two-way community antenna television network to permit communication between a doctor and patients at different locations |
US5441047A (en) * | 1992-03-25 | 1995-08-15 | David; Daniel | Ambulatory patient health monitoring techniques utilizing interactive visual communication |
US5448489A (en) * | 1990-10-03 | 1995-09-05 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Process for making custom joint replacements |
US5449754A (en) * | 1991-08-07 | 1995-09-12 | H & N Instruments, Inc. | Generation of combinatorial libraries |
US5452219A (en) * | 1990-06-11 | 1995-09-19 | Dentsply Research & Development Corp. | Method of making a tooth mold |
US5490962A (en) * | 1993-10-18 | 1996-02-13 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Preparation of medical devices by solid free-form fabrication methods |
US5503149A (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1996-04-02 | Beavin; William C. | Computer simulation of live organ using arthroscopic and/or laparoscopic data |
US5580699A (en) * | 1994-08-16 | 1996-12-03 | Ventritex, Inc. | Method for manufacturing implantable cardiac defibrillation electrodes using a laser beam material removal process |
US5594651A (en) * | 1995-02-14 | 1997-01-14 | St. Ville; James A. | Method and apparatus for manufacturing objects having optimized response characteristics |
US5595703A (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1997-01-21 | Materialise, Naamloze Vennootschap | Method for supporting an object made by means of stereolithography or another rapid prototype production method |
US5655084A (en) * | 1993-11-26 | 1997-08-05 | Access Radiology Corporation | Radiological image interpretation apparatus and method |
US5701904A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1997-12-30 | Krug International | Telemedicine instrumentation pack |
US5715451A (en) * | 1995-07-20 | 1998-02-03 | Spacelabs Medical, Inc. | Method and system for constructing formulae for processing medical data |
US5717769A (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1998-02-10 | Williams; Christopher A. | Adapter for reversible conversion of standard stethoscopes to multimedia and telemedicine ready stethoscopes |
US5715823A (en) * | 1996-02-27 | 1998-02-10 | Atlantis Diagnostics International, L.L.C. | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with universal access to diagnostic information and images |
US5728134A (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 1998-03-17 | Barak; Shlomo | Method and apparatus for hemostasis |
US5732074A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1998-03-24 | Cellport Labs, Inc. | Mobile portable wireless communication system |
US5749921A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1998-05-12 | Medtronic, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for compression of endoluminal prostheses |
US5749902A (en) * | 1996-05-22 | 1998-05-12 | Survivalink Corporation | Recorded data correction method and apparatus for isolated clock systems |
US5758652A (en) * | 1995-10-19 | 1998-06-02 | Nikolic; Serjan D. | System and method to measure the condition of a patients heart |
US5768134A (en) * | 1994-04-19 | 1998-06-16 | Materialise, Naamloze Vennootschap | Method for making a perfected medical model on the basis of digital image information of a part of the body |
US5769882A (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1998-06-23 | Medtronic, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for conformably sealing prostheses within body lumens |
US5772586A (en) * | 1996-02-12 | 1998-06-30 | Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd. | Method for monitoring the health of a patient |
US5773230A (en) * | 1990-01-26 | 1998-06-30 | Washington Research Foundation | Immune reactivity to expressed activated oncogenes for diagnosis and treatment of malignancy |
US5784635A (en) * | 1996-12-31 | 1998-07-21 | Integration Concepts, Inc. | System and method for the rationalization of physician data |
US5786197A (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 1998-07-28 | Smithkline Beecham Corporation | lep |
US5810747A (en) * | 1996-08-21 | 1998-09-22 | Interactive Remote Site Technology, Inc. | Remote site medical intervention system |
US5815154A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1998-09-29 | Solidworks Corporation | Graphical browser system for displaying and manipulating a computer model |
US5814161A (en) * | 1992-11-30 | 1998-09-29 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Ceramic mold finishing techniques for removing powder |
US5817110A (en) * | 1997-05-06 | 1998-10-06 | Kronner; Richard F. | Abdominal incision suturing apparatus |
US5824040A (en) * | 1995-12-01 | 1998-10-20 | Medtronic, Inc. | Endoluminal prostheses and therapies for highly variable body lumens |
US5840020A (en) * | 1996-02-12 | 1998-11-24 | Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd. | Monitoring method and a monitoring equipment |
US5839438A (en) * | 1996-09-10 | 1998-11-24 | Neuralmed, Inc. | Computer-based neural network system and method for medical diagnosis and interpretation |
US5843005A (en) * | 1996-10-04 | 1998-12-01 | Chubinsky; Vladimir | Device for deep tissue massage and ionic therapy |
US5843158A (en) * | 1996-01-05 | 1998-12-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Limited expansion endoluminal prostheses and methods for their use |
US5851186A (en) * | 1996-02-27 | 1998-12-22 | Atl Ultrasound, Inc. | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with universal access to diagnostic information and images |
US5862202A (en) * | 1997-04-10 | 1999-01-19 | Information Medical Retrieval, Inc. | Fax routing system and method using standard fax machine and personal computer |
US5864337A (en) * | 1997-07-22 | 1999-01-26 | Microsoft Corporation | Mehtod for automatically associating multimedia features with map views displayed by a computer-implemented atlas program |
US5884246A (en) * | 1996-12-04 | 1999-03-16 | Transgate Intellectual Properties Ltd. | System and method for transparent translation of electronically transmitted messages |
US5890129A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 1999-03-30 | Spurgeon; Loren J. | System for exchanging health care insurance information |
US5891035A (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 1999-04-06 | Atl Ultrasound, Inc. | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with data access and communications capability |
US5892900A (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 1999-04-06 | Intertrust Technologies Corp. | Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection |
US5907845A (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 1999-05-25 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for organizing on-line books using bookcases |
US5912720A (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 1999-06-15 | The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | Technique for creating an ophthalmic augmented reality environment |
US5911992A (en) * | 1997-06-12 | 1999-06-15 | A. Glenn Braswell | Method for controlling weight with hypericum perforatum and garcinia cambogia |
US5931901A (en) * | 1996-12-09 | 1999-08-03 | Robert L. Wolfe | Programmed music on demand from the internet |
US5935060A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1999-08-10 | First Opinion Corporation | Computerized medical diagnostic and treatment advice system including list based processing |
US5933881A (en) * | 1997-07-10 | 1999-08-10 | Smith; Warren | Bidet device |
US5938737A (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 1999-08-17 | Stanford Telecommunications, Inc. | Internet upstream request compression |
US5943423A (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1999-08-24 | Entegrity Solutions Corporation | Smart token system for secure electronic transactions and identification |
US5951300A (en) * | 1997-03-10 | 1999-09-14 | Health Hero Network | Online system and method for providing composite entertainment and health information |
US5951598A (en) * | 1997-01-14 | 1999-09-14 | Heartstream, Inc. | Electrode system |
US5956687A (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 1999-09-21 | Wamsley; Vaughn A. | Personal injury claim management system |
US5966711A (en) * | 1997-04-15 | 1999-10-12 | Alpha Gene, Inc. | Autonomous intelligent agents for the annotation of genomic databases |
US5966126A (en) * | 1996-12-23 | 1999-10-12 | Szabo; Andrew J. | Graphic user interface for database system |
US5967986A (en) * | 1997-11-25 | 1999-10-19 | Vascusense, Inc. | Endoluminal implant with fluid flow sensing capability |
US5970499A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1999-10-19 | Smith; Kurt R. | Method and apparatus for producing and accessing composite data |
US5974124A (en) * | 1997-01-21 | 1999-10-26 | Med Graph | Method and system aiding medical diagnosis and treatment |
US5972344A (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 1999-10-26 | Edwards; Bobby Gene | Banana peel extract composition and method for extraction |
US5986662A (en) * | 1996-10-16 | 1999-11-16 | Vital Images, Inc. | Advanced diagnostic viewer employing automated protocol selection for volume-rendered imaging |
US5987519A (en) * | 1996-09-20 | 1999-11-16 | Georgia Tech Research Corporation | Telemedicine system using voice video and data encapsulation and de-encapsulation for communicating medical information between central monitoring stations and remote patient monitoring stations |
US5991751A (en) * | 1997-06-02 | 1999-11-23 | Smartpatents, Inc. | System, method, and computer program product for patent-centric and group-oriented data processing |
US5991731A (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 1999-11-23 | University Of Florida | Method and system for interactive prescription and distribution of prescriptions in conducting clinical studies |
US5993001A (en) * | 1997-06-05 | 1999-11-30 | Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc. | Stereoscopic imaging system for retinal examination with remote examination unit |
US5995939A (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 1999-11-30 | Cymedix Lynx Corporation | Automated networked service request and fulfillment system and method |
US6007459A (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 1999-12-28 | Burgess; Barry | Method and system for providing physical therapy services |
US6009212A (en) * | 1996-07-10 | 1999-12-28 | Washington University | Method and apparatus for image registration |
US6016486A (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2000-01-18 | Ac Properties B.V. | System method and article of manufacture for a goal based system utilizing an activity table |
US6018731A (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2000-01-25 | Ac Properties B.V. | System, method and article of manufacture for a goal based system utilizing a spreadsheet and table based architecture |
US6022526A (en) * | 1997-07-30 | 2000-02-08 | Pharmacyclics, Inc. | Use of texaphyrins in detection of melanin and melanin metabolites diagnostic of melanotic melanoma |
US6022315A (en) * | 1993-12-29 | 2000-02-08 | First Opinion Corporation | Computerized medical diagnostic and treatment advice system including network access |
US6024700A (en) * | 1998-07-16 | 2000-02-15 | Nemirovski; Guerman G. | System and method for detecting a thought and generating a control instruction in response thereto |
US6027217A (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 2000-02-22 | Virtual-Eye.Com, Inc. | Automated visual function testing via telemedicine |
US6029159A (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2000-02-22 | Ac Properties B.V. | System, method and article of manufacture for a simulation enabled accounting tutorial system |
US6125352A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 2000-09-26 | Microsoft Corporation | System and method for conducting commerce over a distributed network |
US6131087A (en) * | 1997-11-05 | 2000-10-10 | The Planning Solutions Group, Inc. | Method for automatically identifying, matching, and near-matching buyers and sellers in electronic market transactions |
US6182897B1 (en) * | 1997-05-12 | 2001-02-06 | Metrologic Instruments | Web-enabled system and method for designing and manufacturing laser scanners |
US6244861B1 (en) * | 1992-11-09 | 2001-06-12 | Ormco Corporation | Custom orthodontic appliance forming method and apparatus |
US20020007294A1 (en) * | 2000-04-05 | 2002-01-17 | Bradbury Thomas J. | System and method for rapidly customizing a design and remotely manufacturing biomedical devices using a computer system |
US20020103505A1 (en) * | 2001-02-01 | 2002-08-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Custom manufacturing of implantable medical devices |
US6624138B1 (en) * | 2001-09-27 | 2003-09-23 | Gp Medical | Drug-loaded biological material chemically treated with genipin |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4436684A (en) | 1982-06-03 | 1984-03-13 | Contour Med Partners, Ltd. | Method of forming implantable prostheses for reconstructive surgery |
NL8302178A (en) | 1983-06-17 | 1985-01-16 | Stewal N V | METHOD AND TOOLS FOR MAKING A PROSTHESIS |
US5365996A (en) | 1992-06-10 | 1994-11-22 | Amei Technologies Inc. | Method and apparatus for making customized fixation devices |
AU684546B2 (en) | 1993-09-10 | 1997-12-18 | University Of Queensland, The | Stereolithographic anatomical modelling process |
US5665118A (en) | 1994-02-18 | 1997-09-09 | Johnson & Johnson Professional, Inc. | Bone prostheses with direct cast macrotextured surface regions and method for manufacturing the same |
US5769092A (en) | 1996-02-22 | 1998-06-23 | Integrated Surgical Systems, Inc. | Computer-aided system for revision total hip replacement surgery |
US5906234A (en) | 1996-10-22 | 1999-05-25 | Johnson & Johnson Professional, Inc. | Investment casting |
NO975308L (en) | 1996-11-21 | 1998-05-22 | Atl Ultrasound Inc | Imaging ultrasound diagnostic system with data access and communication capability |
DE19724724A1 (en) | 1997-06-12 | 1998-12-24 | Matthias Dr Weiler | Bone augmentation piece manufacture for adding to or replacing bone material |
WO1999025396A2 (en) | 1997-11-17 | 1999-05-27 | The Regents Of The University Of Michigan | Hybrid tissues for tissue engineering |
NZ517954A (en) | 1999-08-23 | 2004-09-24 | James A | Specification of finite element material properties and symmetries for composite part manufacture |
US6125652A (en) | 1999-08-27 | 2000-10-03 | Ardco, Inc. | Apparatus for minimizing refrigerant usage |
US6882982B2 (en) | 2000-02-04 | 2005-04-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Responsive manufacturing and inventory control |
EP1301140B2 (en) | 2000-04-19 | 2017-07-05 | OraMetrix, Inc. | Bending machine for a medical device |
-
2001
- 2001-10-05 US US09/972,832 patent/US6772026B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2004
- 2004-07-01 US US10/882,449 patent/US20040243481A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (92)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4704686A (en) * | 1982-04-10 | 1987-11-03 | Aldinger Guenther | Method of manufacturing of individually formed prothesis or implant |
US4822365A (en) * | 1986-05-30 | 1989-04-18 | Walker Peter S | Method of design of human joint prosthesis |
US4936862A (en) * | 1986-05-30 | 1990-06-26 | Walker Peter S | Method of designing and manufacturing a human joint prosthesis |
US5340656A (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1994-08-23 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Three-dimensional printing techniques |
US5773230A (en) * | 1990-01-26 | 1998-06-30 | Washington Research Foundation | Immune reactivity to expressed activated oncogenes for diagnosis and treatment of malignancy |
US5452219A (en) * | 1990-06-11 | 1995-09-19 | Dentsply Research & Development Corp. | Method of making a tooth mold |
US5503149A (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1996-04-02 | Beavin; William C. | Computer simulation of live organ using arthroscopic and/or laparoscopic data |
US5448489A (en) * | 1990-10-03 | 1995-09-05 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Process for making custom joint replacements |
US5449754A (en) * | 1991-08-07 | 1995-09-12 | H & N Instruments, Inc. | Generation of combinatorial libraries |
US5434611A (en) * | 1991-12-16 | 1995-07-18 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Home health care system which employs a two-way community antenna television network to permit communication between a doctor and patients at different locations |
US5441047A (en) * | 1992-03-25 | 1995-08-15 | David; Daniel | Ambulatory patient health monitoring techniques utilizing interactive visual communication |
US5370692A (en) * | 1992-08-14 | 1994-12-06 | Guild Associates, Inc. | Rapid, customized bone prosthesis |
US6244861B1 (en) * | 1992-11-09 | 2001-06-12 | Ormco Corporation | Custom orthodontic appliance forming method and apparatus |
US5814161A (en) * | 1992-11-30 | 1998-09-29 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Ceramic mold finishing techniques for removing powder |
US5360446A (en) * | 1992-12-18 | 1994-11-01 | Zimmer, Inc. | Interactive prosthesis design system for implantable prosthesis |
US5314457A (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1994-05-24 | Jeutter Dean C | Regenerative electrical |
US5490962A (en) * | 1993-10-18 | 1996-02-13 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Preparation of medical devices by solid free-form fabrication methods |
US5655084A (en) * | 1993-11-26 | 1997-08-05 | Access Radiology Corporation | Radiological image interpretation apparatus and method |
US6022315A (en) * | 1993-12-29 | 2000-02-08 | First Opinion Corporation | Computerized medical diagnostic and treatment advice system including network access |
US5595703A (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1997-01-21 | Materialise, Naamloze Vennootschap | Method for supporting an object made by means of stereolithography or another rapid prototype production method |
US5768134A (en) * | 1994-04-19 | 1998-06-16 | Materialise, Naamloze Vennootschap | Method for making a perfected medical model on the basis of digital image information of a part of the body |
US5580699A (en) * | 1994-08-16 | 1996-12-03 | Ventritex, Inc. | Method for manufacturing implantable cardiac defibrillation electrodes using a laser beam material removal process |
US5658709A (en) * | 1994-08-16 | 1997-08-19 | Ventritex, Inc. | Method for manufacturing implantable cardiac defibrillation electrodes using a laser beam material removal process |
US5717769A (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1998-02-10 | Williams; Christopher A. | Adapter for reversible conversion of standard stethoscopes to multimedia and telemedicine ready stethoscopes |
US5844995A (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1998-12-01 | Williams; Christopher A. | Adapter for reversible conversion of standard stethoscopes to multimedia and telemedicine ready stethoscopes |
US5594651A (en) * | 1995-02-14 | 1997-01-14 | St. Ville; James A. | Method and apparatus for manufacturing objects having optimized response characteristics |
US5715451A (en) * | 1995-07-20 | 1998-02-03 | Spacelabs Medical, Inc. | Method and system for constructing formulae for processing medical data |
US5769882A (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1998-06-23 | Medtronic, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for conformably sealing prostheses within body lumens |
US5758652A (en) * | 1995-10-19 | 1998-06-02 | Nikolic; Serjan D. | System and method to measure the condition of a patients heart |
US5824040A (en) * | 1995-12-01 | 1998-10-20 | Medtronic, Inc. | Endoluminal prostheses and therapies for highly variable body lumens |
US5943423A (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1999-08-24 | Entegrity Solutions Corporation | Smart token system for secure electronic transactions and identification |
US5815154A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1998-09-29 | Solidworks Corporation | Graphical browser system for displaying and manipulating a computer model |
US5843158A (en) * | 1996-01-05 | 1998-12-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Limited expansion endoluminal prostheses and methods for their use |
US5701904A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1997-12-30 | Krug International | Telemedicine instrumentation pack |
US5732074A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1998-03-24 | Cellport Labs, Inc. | Mobile portable wireless communication system |
US5840020A (en) * | 1996-02-12 | 1998-11-24 | Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd. | Monitoring method and a monitoring equipment |
US5772586A (en) * | 1996-02-12 | 1998-06-30 | Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd. | Method for monitoring the health of a patient |
US5749921A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1998-05-12 | Medtronic, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for compression of endoluminal prostheses |
US5715823A (en) * | 1996-02-27 | 1998-02-10 | Atlantis Diagnostics International, L.L.C. | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with universal access to diagnostic information and images |
US5851186A (en) * | 1996-02-27 | 1998-12-22 | Atl Ultrasound, Inc. | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with universal access to diagnostic information and images |
US5749902A (en) * | 1996-05-22 | 1998-05-12 | Survivalink Corporation | Recorded data correction method and apparatus for isolated clock systems |
US6125352A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 2000-09-26 | Microsoft Corporation | System and method for conducting commerce over a distributed network |
US6009212A (en) * | 1996-07-10 | 1999-12-28 | Washington University | Method and apparatus for image registration |
US5935060A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1999-08-10 | First Opinion Corporation | Computerized medical diagnostic and treatment advice system including list based processing |
US5907845A (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 1999-05-25 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for organizing on-line books using bookcases |
US6027217A (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 2000-02-22 | Virtual-Eye.Com, Inc. | Automated visual function testing via telemedicine |
US5810747A (en) * | 1996-08-21 | 1998-09-22 | Interactive Remote Site Technology, Inc. | Remote site medical intervention system |
US5892900A (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 1999-04-06 | Intertrust Technologies Corp. | Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection |
US5839438A (en) * | 1996-09-10 | 1998-11-24 | Neuralmed, Inc. | Computer-based neural network system and method for medical diagnosis and interpretation |
US5728134A (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 1998-03-17 | Barak; Shlomo | Method and apparatus for hemostasis |
US5987519A (en) * | 1996-09-20 | 1999-11-16 | Georgia Tech Research Corporation | Telemedicine system using voice video and data encapsulation and de-encapsulation for communicating medical information between central monitoring stations and remote patient monitoring stations |
US5891035A (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 1999-04-06 | Atl Ultrasound, Inc. | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with data access and communications capability |
US5843005A (en) * | 1996-10-04 | 1998-12-01 | Chubinsky; Vladimir | Device for deep tissue massage and ionic therapy |
US5995939A (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 1999-11-30 | Cymedix Lynx Corporation | Automated networked service request and fulfillment system and method |
US5986662A (en) * | 1996-10-16 | 1999-11-16 | Vital Images, Inc. | Advanced diagnostic viewer employing automated protocol selection for volume-rendered imaging |
US5786197A (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 1998-07-28 | Smithkline Beecham Corporation | lep |
US5884246A (en) * | 1996-12-04 | 1999-03-16 | Transgate Intellectual Properties Ltd. | System and method for transparent translation of electronically transmitted messages |
US5931901A (en) * | 1996-12-09 | 1999-08-03 | Robert L. Wolfe | Programmed music on demand from the internet |
US5966126A (en) * | 1996-12-23 | 1999-10-12 | Szabo; Andrew J. | Graphic user interface for database system |
US5784635A (en) * | 1996-12-31 | 1998-07-21 | Integration Concepts, Inc. | System and method for the rationalization of physician data |
US5951598A (en) * | 1997-01-14 | 1999-09-14 | Heartstream, Inc. | Electrode system |
US5974124A (en) * | 1997-01-21 | 1999-10-26 | Med Graph | Method and system aiding medical diagnosis and treatment |
US5912720A (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 1999-06-15 | The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | Technique for creating an ophthalmic augmented reality environment |
US5938737A (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 1999-08-17 | Stanford Telecommunications, Inc. | Internet upstream request compression |
US5991731A (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 1999-11-23 | University Of Florida | Method and system for interactive prescription and distribution of prescriptions in conducting clinical studies |
US5951300A (en) * | 1997-03-10 | 1999-09-14 | Health Hero Network | Online system and method for providing composite entertainment and health information |
US5956687A (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 1999-09-21 | Wamsley; Vaughn A. | Personal injury claim management system |
US5862202A (en) * | 1997-04-10 | 1999-01-19 | Information Medical Retrieval, Inc. | Fax routing system and method using standard fax machine and personal computer |
US5970499A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1999-10-19 | Smith; Kurt R. | Method and apparatus for producing and accessing composite data |
US5966711A (en) * | 1997-04-15 | 1999-10-12 | Alpha Gene, Inc. | Autonomous intelligent agents for the annotation of genomic databases |
US5817110A (en) * | 1997-05-06 | 1998-10-06 | Kronner; Richard F. | Abdominal incision suturing apparatus |
US6182897B1 (en) * | 1997-05-12 | 2001-02-06 | Metrologic Instruments | Web-enabled system and method for designing and manufacturing laser scanners |
US5890129A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 1999-03-30 | Spurgeon; Loren J. | System for exchanging health care insurance information |
US5991751A (en) * | 1997-06-02 | 1999-11-23 | Smartpatents, Inc. | System, method, and computer program product for patent-centric and group-oriented data processing |
US5993001A (en) * | 1997-06-05 | 1999-11-30 | Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc. | Stereoscopic imaging system for retinal examination with remote examination unit |
US5911992A (en) * | 1997-06-12 | 1999-06-15 | A. Glenn Braswell | Method for controlling weight with hypericum perforatum and garcinia cambogia |
US5933881A (en) * | 1997-07-10 | 1999-08-10 | Smith; Warren | Bidet device |
US5864337A (en) * | 1997-07-22 | 1999-01-26 | Microsoft Corporation | Mehtod for automatically associating multimedia features with map views displayed by a computer-implemented atlas program |
US6022526A (en) * | 1997-07-30 | 2000-02-08 | Pharmacyclics, Inc. | Use of texaphyrins in detection of melanin and melanin metabolites diagnostic of melanotic melanoma |
US6131087A (en) * | 1997-11-05 | 2000-10-10 | The Planning Solutions Group, Inc. | Method for automatically identifying, matching, and near-matching buyers and sellers in electronic market transactions |
US5967986A (en) * | 1997-11-25 | 1999-10-19 | Vascusense, Inc. | Endoluminal implant with fluid flow sensing capability |
US6013260A (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 2000-01-11 | Edwards; Bobby Gene | Banana peel extract composition and method for extraction |
US5989559A (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 1999-11-23 | Delft Pharma International | Banana peel extract composition and method for extraction |
US5972344A (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 1999-10-26 | Edwards; Bobby Gene | Banana peel extract composition and method for extraction |
US6007459A (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 1999-12-28 | Burgess; Barry | Method and system for providing physical therapy services |
US6024700A (en) * | 1998-07-16 | 2000-02-15 | Nemirovski; Guerman G. | System and method for detecting a thought and generating a control instruction in response thereto |
US6018731A (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2000-01-25 | Ac Properties B.V. | System, method and article of manufacture for a goal based system utilizing a spreadsheet and table based architecture |
US6016486A (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2000-01-18 | Ac Properties B.V. | System method and article of manufacture for a goal based system utilizing an activity table |
US6029159A (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2000-02-22 | Ac Properties B.V. | System, method and article of manufacture for a simulation enabled accounting tutorial system |
US20020007294A1 (en) * | 2000-04-05 | 2002-01-17 | Bradbury Thomas J. | System and method for rapidly customizing a design and remotely manufacturing biomedical devices using a computer system |
US20020103505A1 (en) * | 2001-02-01 | 2002-08-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Custom manufacturing of implantable medical devices |
US6624138B1 (en) * | 2001-09-27 | 2003-09-23 | Gp Medical | Drug-loaded biological material chemically treated with genipin |
Cited By (450)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8982201B2 (en) | 2000-11-08 | 2015-03-17 | Institut Straumann Ag | Surface mapping and generating devices and methods for surface mapping and surface generation |
US8922635B2 (en) | 2000-11-08 | 2014-12-30 | Institut Straumann Ag | Surface mapping and generating devices and methods for surface mapping and surface generation |
US20080131833A1 (en) * | 2000-11-08 | 2008-06-05 | Gerhard Weber | Surface mapping and generating devices and methods for surface mapping and surface generation |
US8026943B2 (en) | 2000-11-08 | 2011-09-27 | Institut Straumann Ag | Surface mapping and generating devices and methods for surface mapping and surface generation |
US20060184637A1 (en) * | 2001-04-29 | 2006-08-17 | Geodigm Corporation | Method and apparatus for electronic delivery of electronic model images |
US8801719B2 (en) | 2002-05-15 | 2014-08-12 | Otismed Corporation | Total joint arthroplasty system |
US8801720B2 (en) | 2002-05-15 | 2014-08-12 | Otismed Corporation | Total joint arthroplasty system |
US8397732B2 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2013-03-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantation of low-profile implantable medical device |
US8086313B2 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2011-12-27 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical device with anti-infection agent |
US8666497B2 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2014-03-04 | Medtronic, Inc. | Coupling module of a modular implantable medical device |
US20040196995A1 (en) * | 2003-04-03 | 2004-10-07 | Martin Roth Samuel Hans | Method for manufacturing a body-worn electronic device adapted to the shape of an individual's body area |
US7555356B2 (en) * | 2003-04-03 | 2009-06-30 | Phonak Ag | Method for manufacturing a body-worn electronic device adapted to the shape of an individual's body area |
US20050010450A1 (en) * | 2003-05-05 | 2005-01-13 | Geodigm Corporation | Method and apparatus for utilizing electronic models of patient teeth in interdisciplinary dental treatment plans |
US20050021037A1 (en) * | 2003-05-29 | 2005-01-27 | Mccombs Daniel L. | Image-guided navigated precision reamers |
US8491597B2 (en) | 2003-10-03 | 2013-07-23 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. (partial interest) | Surgical positioners |
US7862570B2 (en) | 2003-10-03 | 2011-01-04 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Surgical positioners |
US7764985B2 (en) | 2003-10-20 | 2010-07-27 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Surgical navigation system component fault interfaces and related processes |
US7794467B2 (en) | 2003-11-14 | 2010-09-14 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Adjustable surgical cutting systems |
US20050148843A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-07-07 | Roose Jeffrey R. | System and method of designing and manufacturing customized instrumentation for accurate implantation of prosthesis by utilizing computed tomography data |
US8175683B2 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2012-05-08 | Depuy Products, Inc. | System and method of designing and manufacturing customized instrumentation for accurate implantation of prosthesis by utilizing computed tomography data |
US8109942B2 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2012-02-07 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Computer-aided methods, systems, and apparatuses for shoulder arthroplasty |
US8280478B2 (en) | 2004-04-29 | 2012-10-02 | Medtronic, Inc. | Evaluation of implantation site for implantation of implantable medical device |
US9162072B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2015-10-20 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical device with lubricious material |
US20080206714A1 (en) * | 2004-08-17 | 2008-08-28 | Schmitt Stephen M | Design and manufacture of dental implant restorations |
US20060066877A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2006-03-30 | Daniel Benzano | Capture and display of image of three-dimensional object |
US20080193899A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2008-08-14 | Nobel Biocare Services Ag | Method and System for Coloring or Tinting a Prosthesis, and Such a Prosthesis |
US10022206B2 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2018-07-17 | Nobel Biocare Services Ag | Method and system for coloring or tinting a prosthesis, and such a prosthesis |
US8022032B2 (en) | 2004-11-19 | 2011-09-20 | Smithkline Beecham Corporation | Method for customized dispensing of variable dose drug combination products for individualizing of therapies |
US20090149507A1 (en) * | 2004-11-19 | 2009-06-11 | Kirsh Richard L | Method for customized dispensing of variable dose drug combination products for individualizing of therapies |
US8383579B2 (en) | 2004-11-19 | 2013-02-26 | GlaxoSmithKline, LLC | Method for customized dispensing of variable dose drug combination products for individualizing of therapies |
US8177788B2 (en) | 2005-02-22 | 2012-05-15 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | In-line milling system |
WO2006089589A1 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-08-31 | Bense Laszlo | Method and systems for making medical and/or civil information associated with a person accessible for a third party |
US20060239577A1 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2006-10-26 | Piatt Joseph H | Process of using computer modeling, reconstructive modeling and simulation modeling for image guided reconstructive surgery |
EP1738715A1 (en) * | 2005-06-24 | 2007-01-03 | Implant & 3D Planungscenter GbR | System and method for evaluating a dental implant planning |
US8855800B2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2014-10-07 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for manufacturing dental implant components |
US8185224B2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2012-05-22 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for manufacturing dental implant components |
US9108361B2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2015-08-18 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for manufacturing dental implant components |
US8612037B2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2013-12-17 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for manufacturing dental implant components |
US10022916B2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2018-07-17 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for manufacturing dental implant components |
US11897201B2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2024-02-13 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for manufacturing dental implant components |
US11046006B2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2021-06-29 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for manufacturing dental implant components |
US7983777B2 (en) | 2005-08-19 | 2011-07-19 | Mark Melton | System for biomedical implant creation and procurement |
US20070203605A1 (en) * | 2005-08-19 | 2007-08-30 | Mark Melton | System for biomedical implant creation and procurement |
US20100332197A1 (en) * | 2005-08-19 | 2010-12-30 | Mark Melton | System for biomedical implant creation and procurement |
WO2007045000A3 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-07-19 | Vantus Technology Corp | Personal fit medical implants and orthopedic surgical instruments and methods for making |
WO2007045000A2 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | Vantus Technology Corporation | Personal fit medical implants and orthopedic surgical instruments and methods for making |
US20070118243A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-05-24 | Vantus Technology Corporation | Personal fit medical implants and orthopedic surgical instruments and methods for making |
US10307227B2 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2019-06-04 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth |
US8998614B2 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2015-04-07 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth |
US8257083B2 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2012-09-04 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth |
US8690574B2 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2014-04-08 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth |
US11896459B2 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2024-02-13 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth |
US11219511B2 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2022-01-11 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth |
US20070124018A1 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2007-05-31 | Nokia Corporation | Lead time reduction for manufacturing of tooling |
US7286898B2 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2007-10-23 | Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd. | Lead time reduction for manufacturing of tooling |
US20090130633A1 (en) * | 2005-12-30 | 2009-05-21 | Kraemer Michael A | System and method for managing data relating to dental products and manufacturing processes |
WO2007079142A3 (en) * | 2005-12-30 | 2007-08-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | System and method for managing data relating to dental products and manufacturing processes |
US20070239377A1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2007-10-11 | Bruce Reiner | Method and apparatus for generating a clinician quality assurance scoreboard |
US20080294507A1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2008-11-27 | Bruce Reiner | Method and apparatus for generating a clinical quality assurance scorecard |
US7853476B2 (en) | 2006-01-30 | 2010-12-14 | Bruce Reiner | Method and apparatus for generating a clinician quality assurance scorecard |
US20070239376A1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2007-10-11 | Bruce Reiner | Method and apparatus for generating a patient quality assurance scorecard |
US9808262B2 (en) | 2006-02-15 | 2017-11-07 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | Arthroplasty devices and related methods |
US9017336B2 (en) | 2006-02-15 | 2015-04-28 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty devices and related methods |
US8900244B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2014-12-02 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guide and method |
US8568487B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-10-29 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific hip joint devices |
US10390845B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2019-08-27 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific shoulder guide |
US9005297B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2015-04-14 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific elbow guides and associated methods |
US9113971B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2015-08-25 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Femoral acetabular impingement guide |
US10278711B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2019-05-07 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoral guide |
US10426492B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2019-10-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific alignment guide with cutting surface and laser indicator |
US20110015636A1 (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2011-01-20 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-Specific Elbow Guides and Associated Methods |
US10507029B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2019-12-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guides and associated instruments |
US20110092804A1 (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2011-04-21 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-Specific Pre-Operative Planning |
US9173661B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2015-11-03 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific alignment guide with cutting surface and laser indicator |
US9918740B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2018-03-20 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Backup surgical instrument system and method |
US8864769B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2014-10-21 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Alignment guides with patient-specific anchoring elements |
US10603179B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2020-03-31 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific augments |
US8828087B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2014-09-09 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific high tibia osteotomy |
US8241293B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2012-08-14 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific high tibia osteotomy |
US10743937B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2020-08-18 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Backup surgical instrument system and method |
US9289253B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2016-03-22 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific shoulder guide |
US11534313B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2022-12-27 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific pre-operative planning |
US9339278B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2016-05-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guides and associated instruments |
US8070752B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2011-12-06 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific alignment guide and inter-operative adjustment |
US9913734B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2018-03-13 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular alignment guides |
US10206695B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2019-02-19 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Femoral acetabular impingement guide |
US9700329B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2017-07-11 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific orthopedic instruments |
US9345548B2 (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2016-05-24 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific pre-operative planning |
US8608748B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-12-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific guides |
US8133234B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2012-03-13 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific acetabular guide and method |
US8608749B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-12-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guides and associated instruments |
US9480490B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2016-11-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific guides |
US8603180B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-12-10 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular alignment guides |
US8591516B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-11-26 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific orthopedic instruments |
US8282646B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2012-10-09 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US9480580B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2016-11-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular alignment guides |
US8535387B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2013-09-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific tools and implants |
US8377066B2 (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2013-02-19 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-specific elbow guides and associated methods |
US9522010B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2016-12-20 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific orthopedic instruments |
US9539013B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2017-01-10 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific elbow guides and associated methods |
US9662216B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2017-05-30 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific hip joint devices |
US9662127B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2017-05-30 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guides and associated instruments |
US9504402B2 (en) | 2006-04-28 | 2016-11-29 | Medtronic, Inc. | Cranial implant |
US9084901B2 (en) | 2006-04-28 | 2015-07-21 | Medtronic, Inc. | Cranial implant |
US20070269769A1 (en) * | 2006-05-18 | 2007-11-22 | Marcello Marchesi | Method for the guided regeneration of bone and/or periodontal tissues in the medical surgical and dental field and device thus obtainable |
EP1862143A1 (en) * | 2006-05-18 | 2007-12-05 | Marcello Marchesi | Method for the guided regeneration of bone and/or periodontal tissues in the medical surgical and dental field and device thus obtainable |
US9113262B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2015-08-18 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US10477330B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2019-11-12 | Soundmed, Llc | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US8233654B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2012-07-31 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US7876906B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2011-01-25 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US10412512B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2019-09-10 | Soundmed, Llc | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US7724911B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2010-05-25 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Actuator systems for oral-based appliances |
US7664277B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2010-02-16 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Bone conduction hearing aid devices and methods |
US9615182B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2017-04-04 | Soundmed Llc | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US7844064B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2010-11-30 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US10194255B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2019-01-29 | Soundmed, Llc | Actuator systems for oral-based appliances |
US8712077B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2014-04-29 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US10536789B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2020-01-14 | Soundmed, Llc | Actuator systems for oral-based appliances |
US9906878B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2018-02-27 | Soundmed, Llc | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US7844070B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2010-11-30 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US8649535B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2014-02-11 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Actuator systems for oral-based appliances |
US7801319B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2010-09-21 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US7796769B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2010-09-14 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US8358792B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2013-01-22 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Actuator systems for oral-based appliances |
US10735874B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2020-08-04 | Soundmed, Llc | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US8588447B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2013-11-19 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US9185485B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2015-11-10 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US8170242B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2012-05-01 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Actuator systems for oral-based appliances |
US9826324B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2017-11-21 | Soundmed, Llc | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US11178496B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2021-11-16 | Soundmed, Llc | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US9781526B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2017-10-03 | Soundmed, Llc | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
US9736602B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2017-08-15 | Soundmed, Llc | Actuator systems for oral-based appliances |
US8254611B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2012-08-28 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US8398646B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2013-03-19 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US10206697B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2019-02-19 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US9861387B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2018-01-09 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US8979936B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2015-03-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-modified implant |
US9993344B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2018-06-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-modified implant |
US11576689B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2023-02-14 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US10893879B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2021-01-19 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US8858561B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2014-10-14 | Blomet Manufacturing, LLC | Patient-specific alignment guide |
US9795399B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2017-10-24 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US8298237B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2012-10-30 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-specific alignment guide for multiple incisions |
US8092465B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2012-01-10 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient specific knee alignment guide and associated method |
US8202324B2 (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2012-06-19 | Zimmer, Inc. | Modular orthopaedic component case |
US9987147B2 (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2018-06-05 | Zimmer, Inc. | System for selecting modular implant components |
US8428693B2 (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2013-04-23 | Zimmer, Inc. | System for selecting modular implant components |
US20100185296A1 (en) * | 2006-07-18 | 2010-07-22 | Zimmer, Inc. | Modular orthopaedic component case |
US20110166666A1 (en) * | 2006-07-18 | 2011-07-07 | Zimmer, Inc. | Modular orthopaedic component case |
US9980828B2 (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2018-05-29 | Zimmer, Inc. | Modular orthopaedic components |
US20080021299A1 (en) * | 2006-07-18 | 2008-01-24 | Meulink Steven L | Method for selecting modular implant components |
US20100198351A1 (en) * | 2006-07-18 | 2010-08-05 | Zimmer, Inc. | Method for selecting modular implant components |
US8845749B2 (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2014-09-30 | Zimmer, Inc. | Modular orthopaedic component case |
US8291912B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-10-23 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems for manufacturing oral-based hearing aid appliances |
US20130006043A1 (en) * | 2006-08-22 | 2013-01-03 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems for manufacturing oral-based hearing aid appliances |
WO2008024794A3 (en) * | 2006-08-22 | 2008-11-27 | Sonitus Medical Inc | Systems for manufacturing oral-based hearing aid appliances |
WO2008034924A1 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2008-03-27 | Trisermedin, S.L. | Method for obtaining human osseous implants in biocompatible materials |
ES2294941A1 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2008-04-01 | Trisermedin S.L. | Method for obtaining human osseous implants in biocompatible materials |
US7835811B2 (en) | 2006-10-07 | 2010-11-16 | Voxelogix Corporation | Surgical guides and methods for positioning artificial teeth and dental implants |
US8364301B2 (en) | 2006-10-07 | 2013-01-29 | Bankruptcy Estate Of Voxelogix Corporation | Surgical guides and methods for positioning artificial teeth and dental implants |
US8460302B2 (en) | 2006-12-18 | 2013-06-11 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty devices and related methods |
EP1935368A2 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-25 | Aepsilon Rechteverwaltungs GmbH | Method regarding the transport of dental prostheses |
US20080153069A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | Stephan Holzner | Method, machine-readable medium and computer concerning the manufacture of dental prostheses |
EP1935368A3 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Institut Straumann AG | Method regarding the transport of dental prostheses |
US9508106B1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2016-11-29 | David A. Salamassy | Method and system for provisioning of dental implants and related services |
US9907659B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2018-03-06 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US8407067B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2013-03-26 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US11554019B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2023-01-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US8473305B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2013-06-25 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US20080262624A1 (en) * | 2007-04-17 | 2008-10-23 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-Modified Implant And Associated Method |
US7967868B2 (en) * | 2007-04-17 | 2011-06-28 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-modified implant and associated method |
US8486150B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2013-07-16 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Patient-modified implant |
WO2008129561A2 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2008-10-30 | Techpassion Technologies Pvt. Limited | Real-time system and method for designing structures |
WO2008129561A3 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2009-12-30 | Techpassion Technologies Pvt. Limited | Real-time system and method for designing structures |
US10925694B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2021-02-23 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for selecting implant components |
US10368963B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2019-08-06 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for selecting implant components |
US9089380B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2015-07-28 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for selecting implant components |
US9888985B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2018-02-13 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for selecting implant components |
US8206153B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2012-06-26 | Biomet 3I, Inc. | Method for selecting implant components |
US8270638B2 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2012-09-18 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods to provide communication, positioning and monitoring of user status |
WO2008151601A2 (en) * | 2007-06-12 | 2008-12-18 | Ralph Gunnar Luthardt | Method for flexible network based data processing for producing patient-specific medicinal products |
WO2008151601A3 (en) * | 2007-06-12 | 2009-02-19 | Ralph Gunnar Luthardt | Method for flexible network based data processing for producing patient-specific medicinal products |
US10653454B2 (en) | 2007-07-13 | 2020-05-19 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Spinal fixation systems |
WO2009012290A1 (en) * | 2007-07-16 | 2009-01-22 | Indiana University Research And Technology Corporation | Anatomically realistic three dimensional phantoms for imaging |
US20100202001A1 (en) * | 2007-07-16 | 2010-08-12 | Miller Michael A | Anatomically realistic three dimensional phantoms for medical imaging |
US8433080B2 (en) | 2007-08-22 | 2013-04-30 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Bone conduction hearing device with open-ear microphone |
US8224013B2 (en) | 2007-08-27 | 2012-07-17 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Headset systems and methods |
US8660278B2 (en) | 2007-08-27 | 2014-02-25 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Headset systems and methods |
WO2009035358A1 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2009-03-19 | Universidade Do Minho | System for automatic and personalized modelling/bending of surgical prosthesis for correction of pectus excavatum based on pre-surgical imaging information |
US8265949B2 (en) | 2007-09-27 | 2012-09-11 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Customized patient surgical plan |
US8357166B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2013-01-22 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Customized patient-specific instrumentation and method for performing a bone re-cut |
US8377068B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2013-02-19 | DePuy Synthes Products, LLC. | Customized patient-specific instrumentation for use in orthopaedic surgical procedures |
US8361076B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2013-01-29 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Patient-customizable device and system for performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure |
US10828046B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2020-11-10 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Apparatus and method for fabricating a customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument |
US8398645B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2013-03-19 | DePuy Synthes Products, LLC | Femoral tibial customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrumentation |
US8357111B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2013-01-22 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Method and system for designing patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments |
US11931049B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2024-03-19 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Apparatus and method for fabricating a customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument |
US11696768B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2023-07-11 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Apparatus and method for fabricating a customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument |
US8343159B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2013-01-01 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Orthopaedic bone saw and method of use thereof |
US10028750B2 (en) | 2007-09-30 | 2018-07-24 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Apparatus and method for fabricating a customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument |
US7854698B2 (en) | 2007-10-02 | 2010-12-21 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US9143873B2 (en) | 2007-10-02 | 2015-09-22 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US8177705B2 (en) | 2007-10-02 | 2012-05-15 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US8585575B2 (en) | 2007-10-02 | 2013-11-19 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US7682303B2 (en) | 2007-10-02 | 2010-03-23 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations |
US8460303B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2013-06-11 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty systems and devices, and related methods |
USD691719S1 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2013-10-15 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty jig blank |
US20090149977A1 (en) * | 2007-11-06 | 2009-06-11 | Schendel Stephen A | Methods, systems, and computer program products for shaping medical implants directly from virtual reality models |
US10667885B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2020-06-02 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Components for use with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US9011146B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2015-04-21 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Components for use with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US8777612B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2014-07-15 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Components for use with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US8967999B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2015-03-03 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Components for use with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US11207153B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2021-12-28 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Components for use with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US20090138020A1 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-05-28 | Otismed Corporation | Generating mri images usable for the creation of 3d bone models employed to make customized arthroplasty jigs |
US10582934B2 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2020-03-10 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | Generating MRI images usable for the creation of 3D bone models employed to make customized arthroplasty jigs |
US8795172B2 (en) | 2007-12-07 | 2014-08-05 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods to provide two-way communications |
US8221430B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2012-07-17 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs |
US8737700B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2014-05-27 | Otismed Corporation | Preoperatively planning an arthroplasty procedure and generating a corresponding patient specific arthroplasty resection guide |
US8715291B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2014-05-06 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty system and related methods |
US20100049195A1 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2010-02-25 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty system and related methods |
US8545509B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2013-10-01 | Otismed Corporation | Arthroplasty system and related methods |
US9649170B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2017-05-16 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | Arthroplasty system and related methods |
US8968320B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2015-03-03 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs |
US8617171B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2013-12-31 | Otismed Corporation | Preoperatively planning an arthroplasty procedure and generating a corresponding patient specific arthroplasty resection guide |
US7974845B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2011-07-05 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Stuttering treatment methods and apparatus |
US8712078B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2014-04-29 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Headset systems and methods |
US8270637B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2012-09-18 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Headset systems and methods |
US20100332253A1 (en) * | 2008-02-22 | 2010-12-30 | Prasad Adusimilli | Systems and Methods for Providing Customized Dentures |
US8734455B2 (en) | 2008-02-29 | 2014-05-27 | Otismed Corporation | Hip resurfacing surgical guide tool |
US9408618B2 (en) | 2008-02-29 | 2016-08-09 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | Total hip replacement surgical guide tool |
US8649543B2 (en) | 2008-03-03 | 2014-02-11 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods to provide communication and monitoring of user status |
US8023676B2 (en) | 2008-03-03 | 2011-09-20 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods to provide communication and monitoring of user status |
US8150075B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2012-04-03 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Dental bone conduction hearing appliance |
US8433083B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2013-04-30 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Dental bone conduction hearing appliance |
US7945068B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2011-05-17 | Sonitus Medical, Inc. | Dental bone conduction hearing appliance |
US8651858B2 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2014-02-18 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method of creating an accurate bone and soft-tissue digital dental model |
US9848836B2 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2017-12-26 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method of creating an accurate bone and soft-tissue digital dental model |
US9204941B2 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2015-12-08 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method of creating an accurate bone and soft-tissue digital dental model |
US20140051038A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2014-02-20 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method of creating an accurate bone and soft-tissue digital dental model |
US8870574B2 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2014-10-28 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method of creating an accurate bone and soft-tissue digital dental model |
US20110129792A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2011-06-02 | Berckmans Iii Bruce | Method of creating an accurate bone and soft-tissue digital dental model |
US11154258B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2021-10-26 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for pre-operative visualization of instrumentation used with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US9795345B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2017-10-24 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for pre-operative visualization of instrumentation used with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US8888488B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2014-11-18 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for pre-operative visualization of instrumentation used with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US8414296B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2013-04-09 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for pre-operative visualization of instrumentation used with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US8221121B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2012-07-17 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method for pre-operative visualization of instrumentation used with a surgical guide for dental implant placement |
US10159498B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2018-12-25 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US9646113B2 (en) | 2008-04-29 | 2017-05-09 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | Generation of a computerized bone model representative of a pre-degenerated state and useable in the design and manufacture of arthroplasty devices |
US8480679B2 (en) | 2008-04-29 | 2013-07-09 | Otismed Corporation | Generation of a computerized bone model representative of a pre-degenerated state and useable in the design and manufacture of arthroplasty devices |
US8311306B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-11-13 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty |
US9208263B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2015-12-08 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | System and method for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty |
US8532361B2 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2013-09-10 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty |
US8160345B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-04-17 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty |
US8483469B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2013-07-09 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty |
US10716676B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2020-07-21 | Tornier Sas | Method for modeling a glenoid surface of a scapula, apparatus for implanting a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis, and method for producing such a component |
US11432930B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2022-09-06 | Tornier Sas | Method for modeling a glenoid surface of a scapula, apparatus for implanting a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis, and method for producing such a component |
US8777875B2 (en) | 2008-07-23 | 2014-07-15 | Otismed Corporation | System and method for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs having improved mating accuracy |
WO2010018568A3 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2010-04-15 | Laskow, Jacob | Preparation of dental implant surgery and prosthesis installation |
WO2010018568A2 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2010-02-18 | Laskow, Jacob | Preparation of dental implant surgery and prosthesis installation |
US20100183201A1 (en) * | 2008-09-18 | 2010-07-22 | Frank Johan Schwab | Adaptive Software and Hardware System for Scientific Image Processsing |
US8083522B2 (en) | 2008-10-29 | 2011-12-27 | Inpronto Inc. | Method for tooth implants |
US20100105011A1 (en) * | 2008-10-29 | 2010-04-29 | Inpronto Inc. | System, Method And Apparatus For Tooth Implant Planning And Tooth Implant Kits |
US20100105009A1 (en) * | 2008-10-29 | 2010-04-29 | Inpronto Inc. | System, Method And Apparatus For Tooth Implants |
US20100114993A1 (en) * | 2008-10-31 | 2010-05-06 | Holschbach Jean M | Data Transformation System and Method |
US9393432B2 (en) | 2008-10-31 | 2016-07-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Non-hermetic direct current interconnect |
US20100114249A1 (en) * | 2008-10-31 | 2010-05-06 | Medtronic, Inc. | Non-hermetic direct current interconnect |
US8617175B2 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2013-12-31 | Otismed Corporation | Unicompartmental customized arthroplasty cutting jigs and methods of making the same |
US8170641B2 (en) | 2009-02-20 | 2012-05-01 | Biomet Manufacturing Corp. | Method of imaging an extremity of a patient |
US9468538B2 (en) | 2009-03-24 | 2016-10-18 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for aligning and securing an implant relative to a patient |
US8775133B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2014-07-08 | James Schroeder | Personalized fit and functional designed medical prostheses and surgical instruments and methods for making |
US10621289B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2020-04-14 | James Schroeder | Personalized fit and functional designed medical prostheses and surgical instruments and methods for making |
US20100292963A1 (en) * | 2009-04-15 | 2010-11-18 | James Schroeder | Personal fit medical implants and orthopedic surgical instruments and methods for making |
US9715563B1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2017-07-25 | James Schroeder | Personalized fit and functional designed medical prostheses and surgical instruments and methods for making |
US8457930B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2013-06-04 | James Schroeder | Personalized fit and functional designed medical prostheses and surgical instruments and methods for making |
US9839433B2 (en) | 2009-08-13 | 2017-12-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Device for the resection of bones, method for producing such a device, endoprosthesis suited for this purpose and method for producing such an endoprosthesis |
US9393028B2 (en) | 2009-08-13 | 2016-07-19 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Device for the resection of bones, method for producing such a device, endoprosthesis suited for this purpose and method for producing such an endoprosthesis |
US10052110B2 (en) | 2009-08-13 | 2018-08-21 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Device for the resection of bones, method for producing such a device, endoprosthesis suited for this purpose and method for producing such an endoprosthesis |
US11324522B2 (en) | 2009-10-01 | 2022-05-10 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific alignment guide with cutting surface and laser indicator |
US10484805B2 (en) | 2009-10-02 | 2019-11-19 | Soundmed, Llc | Intraoral appliance for sound transmission via bone conduction |
US8348669B1 (en) | 2009-11-04 | 2013-01-08 | Bankruptcy Estate Of Voxelogix Corporation | Surgical template and method for positioning dental casts and dental implants |
US8632547B2 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2014-01-21 | Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc | Patient-specific osteotomy devices and methods |
US9456833B2 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2016-10-04 | Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc | Patient-specific osteotomy devices and methods |
US9066727B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2015-06-30 | Materialise Nv | Patient-specific computed tomography guides |
US9579112B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2017-02-28 | Materialise N.V. | Patient-specific computed tomography guides |
US10893876B2 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2021-01-19 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant |
US20110257941A1 (en) * | 2010-04-19 | 2011-10-20 | Sebastian Magro | System and automated method for creating drawings online for product manufacturing |
US9987024B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2018-06-05 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures |
US11376073B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2022-07-05 | Mighty Oak Medical Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures |
US9642633B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2017-05-09 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures |
US11039889B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2021-06-22 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures |
US11806197B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2023-11-07 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus for use in spine related surgical procedures and methods for using the same |
WO2012027185A1 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2012-03-01 | Siemens Corporation | Semi-automatic customization of plates for internal fracture fixation |
US9014835B2 (en) | 2010-08-25 | 2015-04-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Semi-automatic customization of plates for internal fracture fixation |
US20120071998A1 (en) * | 2010-09-17 | 2012-03-22 | The Boeing Company | Point Cloud Generation System |
US8423318B1 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2013-04-16 | The Boeing Company | Object management system |
US8525830B2 (en) * | 2010-09-17 | 2013-09-03 | The Boeing Company | Point cloud generation system |
US10098648B2 (en) | 2010-09-29 | 2018-10-16 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific guide for partial acetabular socket replacement |
US9271744B2 (en) | 2010-09-29 | 2016-03-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific guide for partial acetabular socket replacement |
US11234719B2 (en) | 2010-11-03 | 2022-02-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific shoulder guide |
EP2486895A3 (en) * | 2010-11-10 | 2012-11-28 | Materialise NV | Additive manufacturing flow for the production of patient-specific devices comprising unique patient-specific identifiers |
US20120116203A1 (en) * | 2010-11-10 | 2012-05-10 | Wilfried Vancraen | Additive manufacturing flow for the production of patient-specific devices comprising unique patient-specific identifiers |
US9968376B2 (en) | 2010-11-29 | 2018-05-15 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific orthopedic instruments |
US8882508B2 (en) | 2010-12-07 | 2014-11-11 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Universal scanning member for use on dental implant and dental implant analogs |
US9662185B2 (en) | 2010-12-07 | 2017-05-30 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Universal scanning member for use on dental implant and dental implant analogs |
US9241745B2 (en) | 2011-03-07 | 2016-01-26 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoral version guide |
US9445907B2 (en) | 2011-03-07 | 2016-09-20 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific tools and implants |
US9743935B2 (en) | 2011-03-07 | 2017-08-29 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoral version guide |
US8715289B2 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2014-05-06 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific numerically controlled instrument |
US9717510B2 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2017-08-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific numerically controlled instrument |
US10251690B2 (en) | 2011-04-19 | 2019-04-09 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific fracture fixation instrumentation and method |
US9675400B2 (en) | 2011-04-19 | 2017-06-13 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific fracture fixation instrumentation and method |
US9474539B2 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2016-10-25 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific convertible guides |
US8956364B2 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2015-02-17 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific partial knee guides and other instruments |
US9743940B2 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2017-08-29 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific partial knee guides and other instruments |
US8668700B2 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2014-03-11 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific convertible guides |
US8944816B2 (en) | 2011-05-16 | 2015-02-03 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Temporary abutment with combination of scanning features and provisionalization features |
US8944818B2 (en) | 2011-05-16 | 2015-02-03 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Temporary abutment with combination of scanning features and provisionalization features |
US10368964B2 (en) | 2011-05-16 | 2019-08-06 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Temporary abutment with combination of scanning features and provisionalization features |
US11389275B2 (en) | 2011-05-16 | 2022-07-19 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Temporary abutment with combination of scanning features and provisionalization features |
US8532807B2 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2013-09-10 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic procedure |
US9757238B2 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2017-09-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic procedure |
US8903530B2 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2014-12-02 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic procedure |
US9687261B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2017-06-27 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Drill guides for confirming alignment of patient-specific alignment guides |
US9084618B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2015-07-21 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Drill guides for confirming alignment of patient-specific alignment guides |
US11253269B2 (en) | 2011-07-01 | 2022-02-22 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Backup kit for a patient-specific arthroplasty kit assembly |
US9668747B2 (en) | 2011-07-01 | 2017-06-06 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific-bone-cutting guidance instruments and methods |
US8764760B2 (en) | 2011-07-01 | 2014-07-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific bone-cutting guidance instruments and methods |
US9173666B2 (en) | 2011-07-01 | 2015-11-03 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific-bone-cutting guidance instruments and methods |
US10492798B2 (en) | 2011-07-01 | 2019-12-03 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Backup kit for a patient-specific arthroplasty kit assembly |
US8597365B2 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2013-12-03 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific pelvic implants for acetabular reconstruction |
US9427320B2 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2016-08-30 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific pelvic implants for acetabular reconstruction |
US9066734B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2015-06-30 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific sacroiliac guides and associated methods |
US9603613B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2017-03-28 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific sacroiliac guides and associated methods |
US9439659B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2016-09-13 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific sacroiliac guides and associated methods |
US9295497B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2016-03-29 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific sacroiliac and pedicle guides |
US11406398B2 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2022-08-09 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoroacetabular impingement instruments and methods |
US9386993B2 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2016-07-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoroacetabular impingement instruments and methods |
US10456205B2 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2019-10-29 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific femoroacetabular impingement instruments and methods |
US9554910B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2017-01-31 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guide and implants |
US9936962B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2018-04-10 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific glenoid guide |
US9451973B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2016-09-27 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific glenoid guide |
US11298188B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2022-04-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Methods for patient-specific shoulder arthroplasty |
US10842510B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2020-11-24 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific glenoid guide |
US10426549B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2019-10-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Methods for patient-specific shoulder arthroplasty |
US9301812B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2016-04-05 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Methods for patient-specific shoulder arthroplasty |
US11602360B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2023-03-14 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient specific glenoid guide |
US10426493B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2019-10-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guides |
US9351743B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2016-05-31 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guides |
US11419618B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2022-08-23 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guides |
US9064088B2 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2015-06-23 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Computing device, storage medium and method for analyzing step formatted file of measurement graphics |
US20130111339A1 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-02 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Computing device, storage medium and method for analyzing step formatted file of measurement graphics |
US8556162B2 (en) | 2011-11-21 | 2013-10-15 | The Boeing Company | Component programming system |
US9474588B2 (en) | 2012-01-23 | 2016-10-25 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method and apparatus for recording spatial gingival soft tissue relationship to implant placement within alveolar bone for immediate-implant placement |
US9089382B2 (en) | 2012-01-23 | 2015-07-28 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Method and apparatus for recording spatial gingival soft tissue relationship to implant placement within alveolar bone for immediate-implant placement |
US9452032B2 (en) | 2012-01-23 | 2016-09-27 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Soft tissue preservation temporary (shell) immediate-implant abutment with biological active surface |
US10335254B2 (en) | 2012-01-23 | 2019-07-02 | Evollution IP Holdings Inc. | Method and apparatus for recording spatial gingival soft tissue relationship to implant placement within alveolar bone for immediate-implant placement |
US9237950B2 (en) | 2012-02-02 | 2016-01-19 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Implant with patient-specific porous structure |
US9827106B2 (en) | 2012-02-02 | 2017-11-28 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Implant with patient-specific porous structure |
US10813729B2 (en) | 2012-09-14 | 2020-10-27 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Temporary dental prosthesis for use in developing final dental prosthesis |
US9402637B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2016-08-02 | Howmedica Osteonics Corporation | Customized arthroplasty cutting guides and surgical methods using the same |
WO2014062797A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-24 | Numera | Methods for configuring biometric devices for transmitting health information |
US9204977B2 (en) | 2012-12-11 | 2015-12-08 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guide for anterior approach |
US9060788B2 (en) | 2012-12-11 | 2015-06-23 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guide for anterior approach |
US9597201B2 (en) | 2012-12-11 | 2017-03-21 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific acetabular guide for anterior approach |
US10092379B2 (en) | 2012-12-27 | 2018-10-09 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Jigs for placing dental implant analogs in models and methods of doing the same |
US8926328B2 (en) | 2012-12-27 | 2015-01-06 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Jigs for placing dental implant analogs in models and methods of doing the same |
JP2014173979A (en) * | 2013-03-08 | 2014-09-22 | Nihon Medi Physics Co Ltd | Heart model and manufacturing method thereof |
US11617591B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2023-04-04 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guide with a reusable guide holder |
US10441298B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2019-10-15 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guide with a reusable guide holder |
US9839438B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2017-12-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid guide with a reusable guide holder |
US9700325B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2017-07-11 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Multi-point fit for patient specific guide |
US9579107B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2017-02-28 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Multi-point fit for patient specific guide |
US10426491B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2019-10-01 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Tangential fit of patient-specific guides |
US9498233B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2016-11-22 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc. | Universal acetabular guide and associated hardware |
US11191549B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2021-12-07 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Tangential fit of patient-specific guides |
US10376270B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2019-08-13 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Universal acetabular guide and associated hardware |
US9826981B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2017-11-28 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Tangential fit of patient-specific guides |
US9517145B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-12-13 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Guide alignment system and method |
US20150057785A1 (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2015-02-26 | Xyzprinting, Inc. | Three-dimensional printing apparatus and three-dimensional preview and printing method thereof |
US11768481B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2023-09-26 | Advanced Solutions Life Sciences, Llc | System and workstation for the design, fabrication and assembly of bio-material constructs |
US11112769B2 (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2021-09-07 | Advanced Solutions Life Sciences, Llc | System and workstation for the design, fabrication and assembly of bio-material constructs |
US11179165B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2021-11-23 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Ligament guide registration |
US11179249B2 (en) | 2013-11-13 | 2021-11-23 | Tornier Sas | Shoulder patient specific instrument |
US10405993B2 (en) | 2013-11-13 | 2019-09-10 | Tornier Sas | Shoulder patient specific instrument |
US10092377B2 (en) | 2013-12-20 | 2018-10-09 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Dental system for developing custom prostheses through scanning of coded members |
US9668834B2 (en) | 2013-12-20 | 2017-06-06 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Dental system for developing custom prostheses through scanning of coded members |
US10842598B2 (en) | 2013-12-20 | 2020-11-24 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Dental system for developing custom prostheses through scanning of coded members |
US10282488B2 (en) | 2014-04-25 | 2019-05-07 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | HTO guide with optional guided ACL/PCL tunnels |
US9408616B2 (en) | 2014-05-12 | 2016-08-09 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Humeral cut guide |
US9561040B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 | 2017-02-07 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid depth control |
US9839436B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 | 2017-12-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific glenoid depth control |
US9700390B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2017-07-11 | Biomet 3I, Llc | Soft-tissue preservation arrangement and method |
US11026699B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2021-06-08 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Tibial tubercule osteotomy |
US10335162B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2019-07-02 | Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc | Tibial tubercle osteotomy |
US9833245B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2017-12-05 | Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc | Tibial tubercule osteotomy |
US9826994B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2017-11-28 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Adjustable glenoid pin insertion guide |
US10409235B2 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2019-09-10 | Siemens Healthcare Gmbh | Semantic medical image to 3D print of anatomic structure |
US20160129637A1 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2016-05-12 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Semantic medical image to 3d print of anatomic structure |
WO2016109576A1 (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-07-07 | Data I/O Corporation | Automated manufacturing system with job packaging mechanism and method of operation thereof |
CN107209503A (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2017-09-26 | 数据输入输出公司 | Automated manufacturing system and its operating method with operation packaging mechanism |
US10303891B2 (en) | 2014-12-30 | 2019-05-28 | Data I/O Corporation | Automated manufacturing system with job packaging mechanism and method of operation thereof |
US10449018B2 (en) | 2015-03-09 | 2019-10-22 | Stephen J. Chu | Gingival ovate pontic and methods of using the same |
US11571282B2 (en) | 2015-03-09 | 2023-02-07 | Keystone Dental, Inc. | Gingival ovate pontic and methods of using the same |
US9820868B2 (en) | 2015-03-30 | 2017-11-21 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Method and apparatus for a pin apparatus |
US11801064B2 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2023-10-31 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific humeral guide designs |
US10226262B2 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2019-03-12 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific humeral guide designs |
US10568647B2 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2020-02-25 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific humeral guide designs |
US10925622B2 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2021-02-23 | Biomet Manufacturing, Llc | Patient-specific humeral guide designs |
US20180235739A1 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2018-08-23 | Nt-Trading Gmbh & Co.Kg | Method for producing an anatomical dental implant |
US11123162B2 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2021-09-21 | Nt-Trading Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method for producing an anatomical dental implant |
DE102015215587A1 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2017-02-16 | Nt-Trading Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method for producing a bone replacement piece |
WO2017061658A1 (en) * | 2015-10-08 | 2017-04-13 | 정진식 | Remote medical information communication method and system using mobile communication terminal |
US11503187B2 (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2022-11-15 | Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. | Custom product imaging method |
US10827098B2 (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2020-11-03 | Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. | Custom product imaging method |
US10827097B2 (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2020-11-03 | Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. | Product imaging |
US11065016B2 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2021-07-20 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Patient specific instruments and methods for joint prosthesis |
US10433858B2 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2019-10-08 | Rz-Medizintechnik Gmbh | Method for manufacturing surgical instrument |
US20170196578A1 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2017-07-13 | Rz-Medizintechnik Gmbh | Method for manufacturing surgical instrument |
US11903653B2 (en) | 2016-03-24 | 2024-02-20 | Sofradim Production | System and method of generating a model and simulating an effect on a surgical repair site |
US11065056B2 (en) | 2016-03-24 | 2021-07-20 | Sofradim Production | System and method of generating a model and simulating an effect on a surgical repair site |
US10380922B2 (en) | 2016-06-03 | 2019-08-13 | Sofradim Production | Abdominal model for laparoscopic abdominal wall repair/reconstruction simulation |
US10398417B2 (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2019-09-03 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Systems and methods for manufacturing custom surgical instruments |
WO2018017488A1 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2018-01-25 | ProSomnus Sleep Technologies, Inc. | Computer aided design matrix for the manufacture of dental devices |
EP3487439A4 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2020-04-08 | Prosomnus Sleep Technologies, Inc. | Computer aided design matrix for the manufacture of dental devices |
US11376049B2 (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2022-07-05 | Mighty Oak Medical Inc. | Fixation devices having fenestrations and methods for using the same |
USD895837S1 (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2020-09-08 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Surgical guide tray |
US11925400B2 (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2024-03-12 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Fixation devices having fenestrations and methods for using the same |
US10743890B2 (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2020-08-18 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Drill apparatus and surgical fixation devices and methods for using the same |
US10758283B2 (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2020-09-01 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Fixation devices having fenestrations and methods for using the same |
US10722310B2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2020-07-28 | Zimmer Biomet CMF and Thoracic, LLC | Virtual surgery planning system and method |
US11278299B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2022-03-22 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp | Guides and instruments for improving accuracy of glenoid implant placement |
US10959742B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2021-03-30 | Tornier, Inc. | Patient specific humeral cutting guides |
US11166733B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2021-11-09 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Guides and instruments for improving accuracy of glenoid implant placement |
US11918239B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2024-03-05 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Guides and instruments for improving accuracy of glenoid implant placement |
US11399851B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2022-08-02 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Guides and instruments for improving accuracy of glenoid implant placement |
US11234721B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2022-02-01 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Guides and instruments for improving accuracy of glenoid implant placement |
US11076873B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2021-08-03 | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. | Patient specific humeral cutting guides |
USD857893S1 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2019-08-27 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Cortical surgical guide |
USD858765S1 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2019-09-03 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Cortical surgical guide |
US11376054B2 (en) | 2018-04-17 | 2022-07-05 | Stryker European Operations Limited | On-demand implant customization in a surgical setting |
USD948717S1 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2022-04-12 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Sacro-iliac guide |
US11633254B2 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2023-04-25 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Patient-matched apparatus for use in augmented reality assisted surgical procedures and methods for using the same |
USD895111S1 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2020-09-01 | Mighty Oak Medical, Inc. | Sacro-iliac guide |
US11051829B2 (en) | 2018-06-26 | 2021-07-06 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument |
US11950786B2 (en) | 2018-06-26 | 2024-04-09 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument |
WO2020106243A3 (en) * | 2018-07-04 | 2020-07-23 | Ozgur Kocaturk | An implant bar forming device and method |
US20210350313A1 (en) * | 2019-04-22 | 2021-11-11 | Andrew Thomas Busey | Computer-implemented adaptive subscription models for consumer packaged goods |
US11922370B2 (en) * | 2019-04-22 | 2024-03-05 | Andrew Thomas Busey | Computer-implemented adaptive subscription models for consumer packaged goods |
WO2021050118A1 (en) * | 2019-09-11 | 2021-03-18 | Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. | Custom product imaging method |
USD932626S1 (en) | 2020-05-13 | 2021-10-05 | ProSomnus Sleep Technologies, Inc. | Mandibular advancement device with comfort bumps |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20020059049A1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
US6772026B2 (en) | 2004-08-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6772026B2 (en) | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices | |
US20020007294A1 (en) | System and method for rapidly customizing a design and remotely manufacturing biomedical devices using a computer system | |
WO2003030787A1 (en) | System and method for rapidly customizing design, manufacture and/or selection of biomedical devices | |
Zhao et al. | Application of virtual surgical planning with computer assisted design and manufacturing technology to cranio-maxillofacial surgery | |
US8086336B2 (en) | Method for design and production of a custom-fit prosthesis | |
Hieu et al. | Design for medical rapid prototyping of cranioplasty implants | |
Singare et al. | Rapid prototyping assisted surgery planning and custom implant design | |
US20100105011A1 (en) | System, Method And Apparatus For Tooth Implant Planning And Tooth Implant Kits | |
Yuan et al. | Design, development and clinical validation of computer-aided surgical simulation system for streamlined orthognathic surgical planning | |
Ciocca et al. | CAD/CAM bilateral ear prostheses construction for Treacher Collins syndrome patients using laser scanning and rapid prototyping | |
US20050010450A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for utilizing electronic models of patient teeth in interdisciplinary dental treatment plans | |
Lee et al. | Use of cone beam computed tomography and a laser intraoral scanner in virtual dental implant surgery: part 1 | |
Jokstad | Computer‐assisted technologies used in oral rehabilitation and the clinical documentation of alleged advantages–a systematic review | |
WO2005032790A1 (en) | Method for design and production of a custom-fit prosthesis | |
KR20170000794A (en) | Generating a design for a dental restorative product from dental images | |
Trace et al. | Radiology’s emerging role in 3-D printing applications in health care | |
Singare et al. | Individually prefabricated prosthesis for maxilla reconstruction | |
KR20080089437A (en) | System and method for managing data relating to dental products and manufacturing processes | |
Balamurugan et al. | Development of patient specific dental implant using 3D printing | |
Tokgöz et al. | Cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery related simulation and optimization efforts | |
Surovas | A digital workflow for modeling of custom dental implants | |
Memon et al. | A review on patient-specific facial and cranial implant design using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques | |
Moiduddin et al. | Design, analysis, and 3D printing of a patient-specific polyetheretherketone implant for the reconstruction of zygomatic deformities | |
Starly | Biomimetic design and fabrication of tissue engineered scaffolds using computer aided tissue engineering | |
Christensen et al. | The digital thread for personalized craniomaxillofacial surgery |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AFBS, INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:THERICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:016735/0593 Effective date: 20050630 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THERICS, LLC, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AFBS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:016489/0245 Effective date: 20050630 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THERICS, INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BRADBURY, MR. THOMAS J.;GAYLO, MR. CHRISTOPHER M.;FAIRWEATHER, MR. JAMES A.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017426/0686;SIGNING DATES FROM 20011120 TO 20011213 Owner name: THERICS, INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BRADBURY, MR. THOMAS J.;GAYLO, MR. CHRISTOPHER M.;FAIRWEATHER, MR. JAMES A.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017426/0627;SIGNING DATES FROM 20011120 TO 20011213 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |