ˮWe are developing detailed models, which are used as a testing ground by doctors”, says Maciej Gołaszewski, the Head of “Biomech” Student Research Association. “Thanks to our models doctors are able to prepare for surgery and have a preview of a bone fragment”.

 “Biomech” Biomechanics and Biomechanical Engineering Student Research Association has already earned reputation in academic circles. Medical practitioners or student research associations operating at medical universities approach “Biomech” more and more frequently to request assistance with preoperative planning. Student Research Association members use the best tools and instruments provided by the Department of Implant Design and Production Techniques at the Faculty of Production Engineering. Associate Professor Tomasz Lekszycki Ph D., D.Sc. is the Association’s supervisor.

Engineering in medicine

Biomechanics and Biomechanical Engineering Student Research Association members have two spectacular achievements under their belt: they are the designers and producers of the prototype of prosthetic legs for two dogs after limb amputation. A 3D scanner helped with obtaining geometric data needed to complete the designs and the artificial limbs themselves were developed with the help of 3D printing. Thanks to these prosthetic limbs two dogs – Bero and Wega – have been given a new chance to walk on their four legs.

On 30 September 2015 the first left atrial appendage in Poland planned on the basis of a 3D printed heart was performed in the Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw. The model of the sufferer’s heart was prepared by the Department of Machine Design and Biomedical Engineering at the Warsaw University of Technology. Thanks to preoperative planning the doctors were able to plan the successful surgery in detail.

At present, the “Biomech” Student Research Association is busy designing equipment for measuring the degree of mandibular opening. In surgeries, this is done using an ordinary ruler, therefore, each doctor does it differently and there is no standardisation of results.

ˮDoctors already know that we have specialist equipment and software as well as knowledge how to deal with that kind of problems”, emphasises Roman Grygoluk Ph.D. from the Department of Machine Design and Biomedical Engineering at the Faculty of Production Engineering.

A multi-stage process

3D printed orthotics, prosthetics or models of organs for the purposes of preoperative planning are only the last stage of a very complex process performed at the Department of Implant Design and Production Techniques at the Faculty of Production Engineering.

What does the development of 3D printed prosthetics involve? Everything starts from a cast, which is subsequently scanned. Additionally, some measurements are manual – both solutions can complement each other. The data thus collected and CAD software serve as the basis for designing the final orthotics or prosthetics models. Printing is the last stage. It has to be emphasised, however,  that when developing models for preoperative planning, not always it is necessary to print them.

International exchange of experiences

Biomechanics and Biomechanical Engineering Student Research Association members are relentlessly broadening their knowledge – also with the help of international contacts. They have had two opportunities to visit the International Research Centre for Mathematics & Mechanics of Complex Systems in the Italian town of Cisterna di Latina near Rome and take part in lectures conducted and training provided by Prof. Francesco dell’Isola’s team.

Cooperation with doctors at the Bielany Hospital, clinics of the Warsaw Medical University and biologists working with cell cultures or medical equipment manufacturers offers research association members a huge development opportunity. They already have knowledge and access to the best laboratories, now they are waiting for new challenges.

Monika Bukowska

Office for Promotion and Information

------------------------

Contact: skn.biomech@wip.pw.edu.pl

Official Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/SKNBiomech