Project summary
Novel medical treatment technology that incorporates 3D printing for corneal diseases and injuries.
What is the issue?
The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye, and corneal disease is the third most common cause of blindness worldwide. Corneal ulceration is extremely painful and accounts for 55,000 presentations to hospitals each year across Australia. Current medical treatments do not adequately address issues of pain relief, infection or the development of scar tissue. Infection and scarring may necessitate lengthy hospital stays and further treatment.
What does the technology aim to do?
iFix Medical, a NSW consortium of researchers, surgeons and industry have developed a novel medical treatment technology that incorporates 3D printing for corneal diseases and injuries.
The iFix system can be used to deliver a 3D-printed structure directly onto the eye to treat defects. It comprises of two components: iFixInk™ and its delivery device, the iFixPen®. The system involves the printing of a transparent structure that seals the wound and prevents pathogen infiltration. It relieves pain, accelerates healing and is biodegradable. The ink formulation can be tailored to clinical need and can
contain antibiotics and or other active regenerative agents.
The iFixPen is a handheld 3D-printing device, which can deliver the “ink” to the defect with high accuracy in a smooth and effective manner. The delivery process takes less than two minutes.
Company contact
Dr Gerard Sutton
gerard.sutton@vei.com.au
02 9424 9999
Milestones