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Evaluation of a rapid prototyping application for stomas

Jose Manuel Sierra (Department of Construction and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain)
Jose Ignacio Rodríguez (Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain)
Marta María Villazon (Department of Construction and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain)
Jose Luis Cortizo (Department of Construction and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain)
Maria del Rocio Fernandez (Department of Construction and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain)

Rapid Prototyping Journal

ISSN: 1355-2546

Article publication date: 15 July 2020

Issue publication date: 29 September 2020

102

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of an internal waste-collection device for patients who have undergone a colostomy or ileostomy. Its design is based on devices that have been produced by 3D printing with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The aim is to find an alternative to the external bags that these patients currently use and to evaluate the properties of the device produced by additive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Software for solid modelling has been used, and virtual models allow its visualization and animation, for evaluation, in a simple and fast way. Subsequently, functional prototypes have been developed by a multidisciplinary team, which includes surgeons and engineers, and have been tested to verify their mechanical properties and suitability for function.

Findings

The project has developed a functional design that has been patented and is in the clinical trials phase. This study demonstrates how 3D printing technologies are the perfect complement to accelerate the design process and build functional prototypes at low costs. The experimental tests regarding cytotoxicity, printing orientation, dynamic and static loads and temperature resistance have demonstrated the validity of the proposed device.

Originality/value

A device for internal pouch in colostomized patients has been designed, manufactured by fused deposition modelling and validated.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge to the University Institute of Industrial Technology of Asturias (IUTA) for the financial support of this investigation.

Citation

Sierra, J.M., Rodríguez, J.I., Villazon, M.M., Cortizo, J.L. and Fernandez, M.d.R. (2020), "Evaluation of a rapid prototyping application for stomas", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 26 No. 9, pp. 1525-1533. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-07-2019-0181

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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