Paris-based medical technology company BIOMODEX has announced the opening of a new US corporate headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts.
The new office will allow the French company to launch its expansion in the United States. The facility includes a 3D printing lab, where the company will manufacture tissue like anatomical replicas for the medical industry.
“We’re thrilled to find a home in the Boston-area among some of the world’s most innovative medical technology companies,” said Thomas Marchand, CEO and co-founder of BIOMODEX.
“Opening an operation in Massachusetts lays the groundwork for our continued growth and success by providing access to talent and ideas, and allows us to speed turn-around time for our North American customers.”
3D printing complex anatomical replicas
Founded in 2014, BIOMODEX 3D prints replicas of patient anatomy, like blood vessels, derived directly from patient-specific medical images, including MRIs and CT scans.
The complex 3D printed anatomical twins imitate the tactile feedback, texture and feel of real anatomies. This helps surgeons to validate their medical devices and rehearse surgical procedures, allowing them to train on new instruments and reduce surgical errors.
With the launch of its new facility, BIOMODEX has plans to produce thousands of anatomical models, with manufacturing already underway at the 3D printing lab in Massachusetts.
It aims to distribute the 3D printed anatomical replicas to various physicians, health systems, researchers and medical device makers across North America in 2019.
“Our vision is to reduce risk and improve patient outcomes by providing physicians an opportunity to test-drive procedures and train on new instruments and devices. Our solution provides an industry that relies on their hands with the critical tactile feedback it needs,” states Carolyn DeVasto, Vice President of Global Commercialization at BIOMODEX.
Medical models in Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing has been utilised previously in the medical industry in order to create realistic medical models for physicians. The use of 3D printed anatomical replicas has allowed surgeons to train, prepare and plan for complex operations.
In June 2018, researchers at the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) were developing 3D printed replicas of children’s hearts for surgeons. This allowed the researchers to explore surgical solutions for children with CHD through life-size 3D models of the patient’s heart.
3DLife, a 3D modelling and printing service provider for the medical industry, has also launched a 3D anatomical heart library. The collection provides medical professionals with access to 3D printable anatomical hearts, allowing them to request a printing and delivery of any particular model. The launch of the library came amidst an increase in the use of 3D anatomical models obtained from MRI, CT and other medical scans by physicians to better prepare for surgeries.
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Featured Image shows BIOMODEX’s 3D printed medical models. Photo via BIOMODEX.
