In a world-first breakthrough for burns treatment, researchers at Concord Hospital have successfully developed a technique to 3D print skin from a patient's own cells and apply it directly to their wound.
The process uses advanced techniques developed by Inventia Life Science, creators of the Ligo Surgical Robot, which prints biomaterials directly onto the wound with precision, helping a surgeon to rebuild lost tissue after trauma.
In conjunction with the Skin Laboratory at the Concord Hospital Burns Unit, researchers have been able to isolate skin cells from patients before the new skin is generated using the new robotic 3D printer.
Currently part of a world-first human clinical trial, early studies are showing that 3D printed skin encourages faster wound healing and significantly reduces pain for burns patients.
Poor wound healing can result in scarring - especially for large burns - and can significantly impact long-term quality of life and place a substantial burden on the healthcare system.
During this current clinical trial, a safety study, the skin printing is used on a wound that is surgically generated when a skin graft is harvested to treat a burn injury. Following this, the team will analyse the results and determine the suitably to print directly onto the burns site and deeper wounds as well.
Inventia LifeScience recently received $3,469,000 as part of the latest round of the NSW Government's Medical Devices Fund, to continue advancing the Ligo Surgical Robot.
More information can be found here: https://www.medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au/medical-devices-fund
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"This is life-changing technology which can make a world of difference to people with burns injuries and soft tissue loss and further enhances Concord Burns Unit's reputation as a developing centre of excellence for burns care globally.
"We know people with serious burns face a range of medical complications, including wound healing and scarring, so this breakthrough offers a promising new approach to accelerate recovery, reduce pain, and improve long-term outcomes for patients."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research David Harris:
"Supporting our innovators and their technologies through the NSW Medical Devices Fund is just one of the unique ways we are seeing enhanced interventions leading to better health outcomes for the people of NSW.
"This is evident by the clinical trial at Concord Hospital Burns Unit, involving Inventia Life Science. This innovative and life-changing approach aims to make healing more consistent, reduce the need for additional surgeries and improve patient outcomes."
Quotes attributable to Government Spokesperson for Drummoyne Mark Buttigieg MLC:
"This world-first advancement is a testament to the skill and dedication of the team here at the Concord Burns Unit. Through their efforts over the years, Australia has achieved worldwide recognition for our ability to treat people with severe burns."
Quotes attributable to Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li:
"Most people will know the Burns Unit from their treatment of the 2002 Bali bombing victims. The team have also achieved remarkable outcomes for some of our most seriously injured burns patients, here at home, as well as their significant research efforts. These research efforts that have resulted in world-first technology like 3D printed skin."
