Medical technology

In an aging society, endoprostheses are becoming increasingly relevant. Bioactive, anti-inflammatory surface coatings enable these implants to function without complications. This means that patients not only regain their unrestricted freedom of movement after an operation, but also benefit from short recovery times.

At Fraunhofer IPT, we research the manufacture of biotechnological and medical technology products in order to optimally adapt implants to the needs of the patient and to ensure reliable interaction between the human body and the technical product.

Construction of a production line for MNS masks in just five weeks

The lack of MNP masks (mouth and nose protection) during the coronavirus pandemic made it difficult to provide standard care in the healthcare sector and combat the pandemic. Together with IBF Automation GmbH from Freudenberg, we therefore set up a production plant for MNP masks in Germany on behalf of Moss GmbH from Lennestadt in the Sauerland region.

To this end, we drew on Moss GmbH's existing design plans and made use of the Fraunhofer IPT and IBF Automation's many years of expertise in the field of special machine construction and automation.

Multifunctional CFRP puncture needle for MRI operations

By using fiber-reinforced plastic instruments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), image interference can be avoided, enabling more precise and patient-friendly minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue structures. We at the Fraunhofer IPT have developed a multifunctional puncture needle made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) that can be imaged completely free of interference in MRI. The fiber-reinforced plastic makes the needle stiffer and stronger than conventional metal needles. It is manufactured using a micropultrusion process that has been validated at the Fraunhofer IPT and made ready for series production.

The project team has developed a triple-lumen puncture needle with an outer diameter of just 1200 μm, offering three working channels with inner diameters of 272 μm, 312 μm and 612 μm. The cutting tip enables direct placement of the needle in human tissue, while the biocompatible surface coating provides additional patient protection. The three working channels allow the simultaneous use of minimally invasive surgical instruments such as endoscopes and lasers. The third working channel is also used to introduce irrigation fluids. Thanks to standardized connections, such as Luer-Lock adapters, the puncture needle can be easily connected to standard medical devices. Our experts have also developed a single-lumen puncture needle with an outer diameter of 800 μm and an inner lumen of 312 μm.