The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Maribor has developed many procedures for rapidly producing prototypes, tools and finished products.  New techniques have made it possible to create productswith arbitrary designs that go beyond the technical limitations of conventional manufacturing processes, such as transformation and cutting. So-called 3D printing has rapidly proven its usefulness in fabricating complexcustomised products.  It has significant potential in medicine for medical implants. Therefore,  3D printing isincreasingly being applied worldwide in surgical and diagnostic procedures and for making medical devices.  

»In Slovenia, the use of implants made of biologically compatible materials produced by rapid manufacturing methods has become established.  Such implants are utilised by orthopaedists, ENT surgeons, jaw surgeons, etc. Since the installation of the first custom-made cranial implant today, the application of this technology has greatly increased,« explained neurosurgeon Professor Tadej Strojnik. He will present his experience during a panel at the conference with experts from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and fellow doctors.  

»The conference will present case studies from neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery,  cardiac surgery andorthopaedics. Examples of implants for skull and facial reconstruction and sternum reconstruction after open heart surgery as well subperiosteal implants in maxillofacial surgery and bone implants in orthopaedics will bedescribed,« continued Professor Strojnik. He noted that these individualised implants are successfully beingused in practice today, but an ideal material still needs to be identified.  

»The development of 3D printing has been fast and offers significant promise.  Through interdisciplinary cooperation, we can develop new insights that will accelerate the overall development of the science. The most important thing is to successfully transfer new techniques into clinical use for the benefit of patients,« concluded Professor Strojnik. 

Renowned international experts will take part in the discussion: Nataša Ihan Hren, Professor; Miha Verdenik, Teaching and Research Assistant, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana; Igor Drstvenšek, Professor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana; Tadej Dovšak, M.D., PhD; Vojko Didanovič, M.D., PhD; Luka Prodnik, M.D., PhD; Matic Koren, M.D., PhD, University Medical Centre Ljubljana; Snehashis Pal, Researcher; Tomaž Brajlih, Lecturer, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Christian Fang, Professor, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong; Miha Antonič, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor; Urška Intihar, M.D., PhD; Jernej Železnik, M.D., PhD; University Medical Centre Maribor; Radovan Hudak, Professor, Technical University of Košice.