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Medical

Printed guide template helps surgeons mark breast tumours more precisely

Cairn Surgical has published results from an international clinical study of its Breast Cancer Locator. The system combines MRI data with a patient-specific 3D-printed template for breast-conserving surgery. Its aim is to define the extent of non-palpable tumours in the operating theatre more accurately than the conventional wire marking. The report describes the breast being positioned supine for the procedure, but the source text is cut off there, so further technical details are not available. The study results are the key point for medical device developers and clinical buyers following patient-specific additive manufacturing.

1 source
Medical

Printed silicone implant cools brain tissue and records activity in rat study

Researchers from several European and UK institutions have reported a 3D printed silicone implant for the brain. The device sits on the surface of the brain, cools a small region and records its electrical signals at the same time. In experiments on rats, the implant suppressed seizure-like activity. The work targets drug-resistant epilepsy, a condition where medication does not control seizures. The reports do not give further details on sample size, printing process or next steps. For additive manufacturing, the case shows soft silicone parts being used as functional medical devices that combine thermal and sensing functions.

1 source