Kangli-Cloud Implant 3D Printing Salon

2017-05-06

On May 5, 2017, the Kangli Cloud Implant 3D Printing Salon was successfully held at Kangli Orthopedic Instruments Co., Ltd. in Suzhou. During this salon, Kangli invited renowned experts and professors from both domestic and international backgrounds to visit and provide guidance. Chen Yongbing, Chairman of Kangli, Chen Jiakang, General Manager, directors Lu Jun and Shi Yonghu, along with other senior management personnel warmly welcomed and took group photos with the guests.

Afterward, Director Lu Jun led the guests to visit Kangli’s production center, 3D printing center, and testing center. The visitors were highly impressed by Kangli’s beautiful and tidy production environment, modern production equipment, and efficient manufacturing processes. They spoke highly of these aspects of Kangli.

Visiting the Production Center

Visiting the Testing Center

Visiting the 3D Printing Center

After the start of the conference salon, Mr. Chen Jiakang, the General Manager, first introduced the development history and planning of Kangli. He specifically mentioned the company’s future plans to accelerate the localization of domestic and international talents, foster an innovative research and development team, and focus on academic brand building. He also provided an introduction to the Kangli Cloud Implant 3D Printing Center, explaining its establishment reasons and strategic goals.

Following that, Professor Zhou Jiansheng from the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College presented his design experience in 3D printed customized DDH (Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip) acetabular implants, showcasing numerous successful cases from their hospital. Professor Zhou’s presentation sparked lively discussions among the attending experts regarding the application value of 3D printing in customized individualized artificial acetabular implants, design methodologies, implant shapes, installation techniques, learning and training, and more. Particularly, there were discussions on how to improve the fault tolerance in implant design and actual operations, ensuring precise design and accurate placement of the implant in the intended center of rotation. The experts also delved into the topic of optimizing the collaboration between medicine and engineering in the development of new products.

Next, Professor Wang Changjiang from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom presented on orthopedic biomechanics and the analysis of 3D printing. He also raised several unresolved issues, such as “intraoperative image processing,” “error control,” “connection between artificial joint components and bone,” “bone-implant integration,” and “what can 3D printing do for personalized customization in the future.” These topics generated further discussions among the attendees, exploring potential solutions and advancements in the field.

Professor Hua Jia from the University of London also presented his work on designing and prototyping artificial joints and surgical guides using 3D printing technology. He emphasized the significance of procedures such as femoral head surface replacement and short stem joints in improving the quality of life for young patients. Professor Hua also provided valuable suggestions on how medical device manufacturers can enhance their research capabilities to facilitate new product development. He expressed the importance of rigorous experimental design and follow-up, urging companies to make the most out of each individual case.

Finally, Professor Dong Xieping from Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital presented two reports: “Design and Application of Artificial Vertebral Bodies Fixed with Bilateral Anterior Cervical Approach Pedicle Screw using 3D Printing” and “Research on the Comprehensive Minimally Invasive Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty.” He collaborated with Kangli Company to design, manufacture, and implant artificial vertebral bodies fixed with pedicle screws in the C5-6 intervertebral space through the anterior cervical approach. This pioneering case achieved the world’s first instance of ultra-short-segment (single-segment) fixation on a tuberculosis-affected vertebral body. Professor Dong explained the design concepts, ideas, methods, and significance of the procedure, demonstrating that 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies are the preferred implants for achieving pedicle screw fixation and “ultra-short-segment fusion fixation” in the anterior cervical approach. He also presented the innovative prospects brought about by the new product development model led by clinical physicians with a background in medical engineering.

In his second report, Professor Dong Xieping introduced a new perspective on minimally invasive joint replacement surgery. He emphasized that minimally invasive approaches should not only focus on minimizing tissue damage during the replacement process through surgical route design and improved surgical instruments but also consider the slow and long-lasting detrimental effects of the implanted prostheses on the host bone. He also highlighted the minimally invasive nature of revision surgeries and the minimal restrictions on the age of initial joint replacement, aiming for comprehensive minimally invasive approaches. Professor Dong presented a case of an uncemented hip replacement implanted 12 years ago as the world’s first instance, proposing that the shape and structure of uncemented joints, which can avoid stress shielding in the proximal femur and prevent bone resorption, create conditions for achieving comprehensive minimally invasive approaches.

Professor Dong Xieping’s refreshing presentations sparked lively discussions among the attending experts once again. Professors Hua Jia, Wang Changjiang, Professor Xu Zhonghe from Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, and Professor Guo Kaijin from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University all appreciated his courage, talent, and achievements in pioneering innovation. They also provided their own opinions and suggestions. The entire salon took place in a vibrant and intense academic atmosphere. The main leaders, executives, and R&D technical backbone of Kangli and Suzhou Yunzhi companies also participated in the salon activities.