Presse

From the Lab to Space and into the Clinic: 3D Printing in Surgery

Fifth International Conference at the University Medical Center Mainz

Where could a 3D printing conference be better held than in Mainz, the historical birthplace of the printing press? On October 4, the congress presidents from the University Medical Center Mainz, Professor Dr. Dr. Bilal Al-Nawas, Director of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Professor Dr. Erol Gercek, Director of the Center for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, welcomed an international audience of around 90 participants to exchange the latest insights on 3D printing in surgery. “What makes this congress special is that various disciplines of surgery and materials research come together and learn from each other,” noted Gercek. Al-Nawas added: “The research on printable biomaterials often takes place isolated from everyday clinical practice. This congress provides inspiration for collaborations between the lab and the clinic, enabling these new methods to become available to patients more quickly.” The congress was initiated by the interdisciplinary research focus BiomaTiCS – Biomaterials, Tissues, and Cells in Science.

From the Lab to Zero Gravity

The main theme of the congress, titled “Plans, Models, and Implants,” was translational research. “The greatest current challenge is translating 3D printing materials and technologies into the clinic,” said Professor Dr. Michael Gelinsky, Head of the Center for Translational Bone, Joint, and Soft Tissue Research in Dresden, and President of the German Society for Biomaterials (DGBM), who gave the opening lecture.

He first took participants into zero gravity, demonstrating how 3D printing could even be used on a space station to treat astronauts. Dr. Parth Chansoria from Zurich presented a joint project between both research groups in which small muscle constructs can be printed very quickly. This new technology, using specially developed materials, was tested during a spectacular parabolic flight under zero-gravity conditions.

From Zero Gravity to the Clinic

However, it doesn't always have to be space. With regard to clinical applications, Gelinsky emphasized: “We shouldn't always aim for the most complex solutions, like fully printed tissues or implants. Even simple 3D printing applications can be clinically beneficial for diagnostics or determining the best treatment for a disease.”

Further examples of real-world applications were presented by additional speakers. Surgeons, for instance, can use 3D-printed models of the aorta to better plan and practice operations, as shown by Professor Dr. Bernhard Dorweiler of University Medical Center Cologne. Professor Dr. Petra Mela and her team from the Technical University of Munich are developing scaffolds for heart valves using the Melt Electrowriting technique, which stimulates the body’s own tissue formation. In the long term, this may enable heart valve implants for children to grow with them.

In medical applications, 3D printing has long been used to create anatomical models and drilling templates. However, the technology also offers advantages for more complex cases of bone reconstruction. Dr. Dr. Neha Sharma, Deputy Head of the 3D Printing Lab at the University Hospital Basel, even showcased a successful skull reconstruction using an in-house 3D-printed PEEK implant that complies with European Medical Device Regulation (MDR), as well as other applications of the material in oral, maxillofacial, and facial surgery.

Focus on Biomaterials

A key challenge in research lies in biomaterials and printing processes. The Mainz BiomaTiCS research team, for example, collaborates closely with the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. Dr. Maria Villiou, Head of the Biofabrication and Biomaterials Innovation Group, presented her team’s approach: “Our goal is to advance the field of tissue engineering by using advanced multifunctional biomaterials in combination with different cell types and artificial cells. This way, we aim to induce precise cellular responses and develop systems with bio-instructive properties.” Alessia Longoni from UCM Utrecht emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in developing new printable bioinks and 3D tissue models.

Regulatory Hurdles

However, even if 3D printing works well in research, regulatory requirements have increased under the new European Medical Device Regulation (MDR), which can delay clinical applications. “Be aware of regulation” was the central message from Professor Dr. Ulrich M. Gassner, a legal expert in medical device law. He provided participants with practical tips on how to navigate the regulatory maze. For 3D-printed products, it must be carefully examined whether they fall under so-called personalized medical devices. Depending on the field of application, different requirements and certification needs may apply.

The Mainz 3D Printing Congress has a long tradition – after a pandemic-related pause, this year marks the fifth edition of the international congress, which was supported by Materialise GmbH. Following a successful relaunch, the congress presidents are confident that the event will soon see a continuation.

Further information:
www.3dprint-congress.com/

www.unimedizin-mainz.de/biomatics/