Member Article

Canine joy as firm receives six-figure investment for knee replacements

A Liverpool-based company that helps dogs overcome lameless and restore mobility through 3D printing has received a six-figure investment.

Fusion Implants, a spin-off from the University of Liverpool, hope to use the investment to help launch their new device nationally in the coming months.

The new device - a surgical implant for use in canine knee reconstructions, produced using the latest 3D printing techniques - is already being sold to veterinary practices in the North West.

The Fusion Implants team with Archie, one of the dogs undergoing assessment. From left are: Dr Chris Sutcliffe; Dr Dan Jones; professor John Innes and Paul Whittle.

Dr Dan Jones, general manager, said: “The use of 3D printing gives greater design freedom than conventional manufacturing techniques and also allows us to combine solid and porous sections for optimum strength and biological performance.

“Our future plans include working closely with our veterinary surgeon customers to provide the next generation of animal implants. In particular we will be working on a range of hip implants to suit specific breeds.”

Investment has been provided by The North West Fund for Venture Capital, managed by Enterprise Ventures. Fusion Implants will use the funding to roll out its current product, employ a design engineer and finance new product development.

Rupture of the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) remains the most common orthopaedic problem seen in veterinary practices around the world and can cause knee pain and lameness.

CCL surgery involves a portion of bone being removed from the tibia to allow the restructuring of the angle of the knee joint, which is subsequently held in place by an implant.

The Fusion Implants team have devised a way to manufacture high-performance veterinary implants from titanium using 3D printing, or additive manufacturing as it is also known.

Fusion Implants’ technology – which is covered by extensive patent protection throughout Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia - allows the mass manufacture of porous titanium material. This allows the animal’s bone to grow into the implant, forming a natural bond and improving performance considerably.

The company, founded in March 2013, brings Dr Jones together with Dr Chris Sutcliffe from the School of Engineering and their colleagues, professor John Innes, Mr Rob Pettitt and Mr Ben Walton from the School of Veterinary Science.

Doug Stellman of Enterprise Ventures, which manages The North West Fund for Venture Capital, said: “3D printing is a disruptive technology which could radically change supply chains in many industries, not just the medical sector. It is important that the North West, with its strong manufacturing heritage, takes full advantage of this new technique. Providing companies with finance to invest in new products and equipment is a key part of that.”

It is the second 3D printing business that The North West Fund for Venture Capital has backed in recent weeks.

The Fund, which is financed jointly by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Investment Bank, also invested in FDM Digital Solutions, a business based in Burnley, Lancashire which is using 3D printing to create made-to-measure insoles for the NHS.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Graham Vincent .