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3D Printing Improved Testicular Prostheses: Using Lattice Infill Structure to Modify Mechanical Properties
Jacob Skewes1, Michael Y Chen1,2,3, David Forrestal1,2
1Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Frontiers in Surgery
|May 7, 2021
Summary
This study developed 3D printed testicular prostheses using lattice structures to match natural testicle stiffness. The new prostheses offer a more accurate feel compared to current commercial options.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Medical Device Design
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Patients undergoing orchidectomy often receive testicular prostheses, but existing options have limitations in feel and fit.
- Current silicone-based prostheses do not accurately replicate the natural biomechanical properties of a human testicle.
- Issues with firmness, shape, size, and position are commonly reported by recipients of current testicular implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a 3D printable testicular prosthesis that mimics the natural shape and stiffness of a human testicle.
- To utilize lattice infill structures to achieve desired biomechanical properties in soft prostheses.
- To create patient-specific implants with tunable mechanical characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Anatomically accurate 3D models of testicles were created with internal repeating cubic unit cell lattice structures.
- Porous testicular prostheses were engineered with relative densities ranging from 0.1 to 0.9.
- Prostheses were fabricated using multi-jetting 3D printing with an elastomeric material and tested for hardness and compressive modulus.
Main Results:
- 3D printed prostheses with a relative density between 0.3 and 0.4 achieved a compressive elastic modulus (E-modulus) of 28 KPa, closely matching human testicular tissue.
- Commercial testicular prostheses were found to be significantly firmer than native testicular tissue.
- The study demonstrated the ability to tune the mechanical properties of 3D printed implants by adjusting lattice infill density.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing enables the creation of metamaterials that can replicate native human tissue properties for custom implants.
- This novel approach allows for the development of patient-specific testicular prostheses with improved biomechanical characteristics.
- The methodology offers a versatile platform for adapting existing biomaterials to mimic native tissue properties for various implant applications.
