August 20, 2020
The breakthrough, made in partnership with Wollongong-based Medical Innovation Hub, represents a paradigm shift in the production of self-expanding nitinol stents for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), which afflicts more than 10% of Australians. PAD is a condition in which fatty deposits collect and reduce blood flow in arteries outside the heart — most commonly in the legs. People with PAD typically experience pain when walking and in severe cases may develop gangrene. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, said the home-grown technology had the potential to revolutionise the $16bn global stent manufacturing industry. “This is a great example of industry working with our researchers to develop an innovative product that addresses a global need and builds on our sovereign capability,” Minister Andrews said. Until now, surgeons have been restricted to accessing ‘off-the-shelf’ stents for operations. The ability to 3D print stents is expected to improve sizing options, preserve essential anatomy, and enable diameters and shapes to suit individual patient requirements. The process could also allow for individual stents to…