3D printing of surgical staples

In this work, CAD design and additive manufacturing (3D printing) are used to fabricate surgical staples. The staples were analysed on their mechanical robustness according to ASTM standard F564-17 which involved the in-house design, prototyping and fabrication (using 3D printing) of specialized grips and extension blocks. Our results indicated that staples 3D printed using carbon fibre reinforced nylon 6 (CF-PA6) exhibited a strength value of 37 +/- 3 MPa coupled with an implantation-suitable ductility value of 26 +/- 4%. The mechanical robustness of CF-PA6 staples subjected to immersion in simulated body fluid resulted in a reduction in stiffness and strength of 40% and 70% over 5 weeks, respectively. The carbon fibre nylon composite staples were able to handle a load of 15 kg and 5 kg prior and following immersion in simulated body fluid, respectively.

Automated summary

CAD design and 3D printing were used to fabricate surgical staples. Staples printed with carbon fibre reinforced nylon 6 (CF-PA6) exhibited high strength and suitable ductility for implantation. However, the mechanical strength of CF-PA6 staples decreased after immersion in simulated body fluid.