Using laser additive manufacturing to make ear implants with memory

Hannover, Germany - One challenge with 3D printing is to make highly precise and small prints that are, on top of that, made of difficult-to-process materials. The scientists at the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) are conducting research on that very topic. At the Hannover Messe 2014 industry fair (from April 7 to 11), the scientists will demonstrate how they use the laser to manufacture tiny implants with a memory function or complex shapes, such as the cochlea of the human inner ear.

In the field of medical technology, laser additive manufacturing (LAM) opens up new ways of healing, e.g., for hearing-impaired persons. Inserting an implant into the tiny cochlea requires utmost care. During the procedure, the surgeon runs the risk of destroying intact sensory cells which would even further decrease the hearing ability of the patient. The micrometer-small cochlea replicas that the surgeons use to practice the procedure are manufactured by the LZH’s Photonic System Technology Group using LAM technology. The Surface Technology Group at LZH goes one step further. In cooperation with the Hannover Medical School (MHH), the group is developing implants that change their shape due to temperature changes during the surgery and will make insertion much easier.

LAM also allows for the manufacturing of temporary implants. These magnesium scaffolds are slowly and gradually decomposed by the human body. They are well suited for reconstructing defects of the facial skull because their shape can be matched to the face of the patient. Directly after the surgery, the bioresorbable implants stabilize the tissue above. Afterwards, they make room for new bone cells.

Tiny, highly complex parts, however, not only inspire innovations in biomedical technology. There are practically no limits to their use. Polymers or metals, for example, can be used. Even complex parts with internal openings can be manufactured rapidly and with high precision. Only a 3D drawing is required.

LZH will be at the Hannover Messe in the Lower Saxony Pavilion, hall 2, stand A08.


Caption: This laser-additive manufactured micro-actor for cochlea implants can change its shape due to temperature changes. Courtesy: LZH