Marvel Medtech, a start-up company based in North America, has invested in a Carmel 1400 3D Printer from XJet that it will use to 3D print a ceramic cryotherapy probe that’s used to tackle breast cancer.
Marvel Medtech has developed a new robotic intervention guidance system that’s designed to freeze and destroy the most dangerous tiny breast cancer tumours and prevent them from growing. The plan is for this system to be used during MRI scans in clinics across the USA to catch tumours early and avoid the need for invasive biopsy and any other surgical procedures. Marvel Medtech is also hopeful that the new procedure will kick-start the body’s anti-cancer immune response to further prevent the recurrence of cancerous tumors.
Ray Harter, president of Marvel Medtech, explained: “Our new approach preempts the need for many biopsies, surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Obviously, the expectation is that it’s likely to save many lives, but it will also dramatically improve the quality of life for patients. In addition, we also know that by eradicating those procedures, it will also reduce overall healthcare costs. And these are not insignificant savings – annually, these could be in the many billions of dollars.”
He added: “But in making this system a reality, we were missing a vital piece of the puzzle. The tools used inside an MRI scanner must be compatible with strict safety guidelines, and crucially, not disrupt image quality. Because they are one of the most electrically insulating materials, ceramics are an ideal material to achieve this. However, we were unable to find a ceramic-based 3D printer able to accurately and cost effectively produce our ceramic probe. This is why we are adopting XJet’s Carmel 1400 solution.”
The printer uses XJet’s NanoParticle Jetting technology, which is basically a form of inkjet printing. It jets a carrier fluid that contains tiny particles of the build material, with the fluid evaporating on the heated build tray leaving behind the material, which is built up layer by layer to create the object. It’s capable of printing either ceramics or metals.
Dror Danai, CBO for XJet, commented: “This application is a great example of how our unique ceramic 3D printing technology can enable manufacturers to overcome the limitations of traditional ceramic production. Indeed, we believe that XJet NPJ opens the door for the invention and production of many new products and tools to answer some of mankind’s biggest challenges, and we’re excited to see how it will impact our lives in the future.”
You can find further details on Marvel Medtech here, and on the Carmel printers at xjet3D.com.
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