The world’s first spine implants printed in FDM / FFF technology

Evonik, a manufacturer of high-performance polymers, has announced the successful use of its VESTAKEEP i4 3DF PEEK biomaterial in the first spinal surgeries in the United States. The spinal implants created by the American technology company Curiteva are the world’s first implants with interconnected porous PEEK (polyether etherketone) structures for commercial use. At the same time, VESTAKEEP i4 3DF PEEK is the world’s first implant-grade PEEK-based filament designed for medical 3D printing of surgical implants in FDM / FFF technology.

Evonik’s VESTAKEEP i4 3DF filament is specifically designed for use in 3D printing processes, meeting the stringent requirements of the ASTM F2026 standard for PEEK polymers approved for surgical implant applications. It is the world’s first 3D printable filament that meets this requirement in medicine.

Operations using innovative spinal implants were performed in mid-April this year in the USA. The Inspire platform was manufactured using Evonik’s high-performance PEEK VESTAKEEP i4 3DF polymer on a specialized, proprietary 3D printer designed and built by Curiteva. The use of the Evonik material and the technology developed by Curiteva makes it possible to accelerate the integration and healing processes after spinal surgeries.

Dr. Alex Vaccaro, president of the Rothman Orthopedic Institute in Philadelphia, said: “I believe that the geometric structure used influences biology, and the architecture of the PEEK scaffold enabled by the Curiteva 3D printing process represents an advancement in the field of spinal treatment, orthopedics and neurosurgical procedures that cover all kinds of biological implants.

Dr. Kevin Foley, Chairman of the Semmes-Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute and Professor of Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, commented: “The Inspire porous PEEK technology meets all the requirements for an ideal intervertebral implant: fully combined porosity, modulus of elasticity equivalent to spongiosa, high biomechanical properties, radiolucency and bioactive surface for osseointegration.”

Dr. Randy Dryer of the Central Texas Spine Institute added: “Combined porosity, pore size distribution and surface nanoarchitecture are typically characteristics of the most effective synthetic allografts. I believe that this innovative implant enriched with the HAFUSE surface topography combines these features and creates an optimal environment for osteoprogenitor cells, which accelerates bone healing (fusion) and reduces the risk of collapse. I am excited to introduce this technology to my patients.”

Evonik is a world leader in high-performance polymers and additives, and its products have been used in 3D printing applications for over 20 years. In addition to implant-grade filaments, the company also produces PEEK filament for test prints, which offers the same properties but does not require the documentation needed for surgical implants. Other 3D printing materials used by Evonik are used in demanding environments and include resins suitable for photocuring and powders ideal for sinter-based manufacturing processes.

Source: www.infinam.com (press materials / all rights reserved)