Siriraj Hospital unveils AI-powered 3D printing for titanium implants

Siriraj Hospital, in collaboration with Meticuly, has introduced a revolutionary titanium 3D printing system powered by artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to negate logistical and time constraints by creating regulatory-compliant implants directly within healthcare facilities.

The partnership has led to the installation of an innovative 3D printing system that can design, manufacture, and deliver patient-specific implants within one to seven days, marking one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry.

Dean of the faculty of medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Doctor Apichat Asavamongkolkul, highlighted that personalised implants offer significant clinical advantages, including fewer complications, reduced blood loss, and quicker patient recovery.

Siriraj Hospital, alongside its Golden Jubilee Medical Center, will be the first institution globally to provide 3D-printed titanium implants directly at the point of care, meaning the location where healthcare services are administered.

Recently, OSS3O, a subsidiary formed through the Meticuly-Siriraj joint venture, received financial backing from MK Group to support the collaboration among Siriraj Hospital, Meticuly, and the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness. This state agency fosters national competitiveness by supporting high-potential innovative projects with global impact.

Central to this collaboration is the Vulcan Box, a point-of-care 3D printing solution enabling hospitals to co-design and 3D print titanium implants on-site. A spokesperson from Meticuly highlighted the advantages of the new titanium 3D printing system.

“This eliminates the need for online consultations, lengthy procurement, and delivery processes…allowing for faster and more customised surgical procedures, ultimately benefiting patients.”

Hospitals worldwide that adopt the Vulcan Box will benefit from on-demand implant production, removing logistical delays and associated risks. The Vulcan Box can be integrated into various hospital spaces or deployed as a container-sized unit.

Chief Executive of Meticuly, Doctor Boonrat Lohwongwatana pointed out that the company employs its expertise in generative AI design engines and AI-assisted lean manufacturing of medical implants to advance development at the point of care.

“This next-generation manufacturing system is specifically designed for 3D printing implants within the hospital environment.”

Head of orthopaedic surgery at Siriraj Hospital, Doctor Keerati Charoencholvanich, mentioned that Meticuly’s personalised titanium innovation is already being utilised for elderly and frail patients where other treatment options are limited, reported Bangkok Post.