Leap forward for dog knee replacement pioneer
A LIVERPOOL company which has developed a surgical implant to cure lameness and restore mobility in dogs has received a six-figure investment to roll the product out nationwide.
Fusion Implants, a spin-out from the University of Liverpool made up of expert engineers and veterinary scientists, has won the backing from the The North West Fund for Venture Capital, managed by Enterprise Ventures.
Fusion Implants’ device, for use in canine knee reconstructions, is already being sold to vets’ practices in the North West and will be launched nationally within the coming months.
The Fusion Implants team have devised a way to manufacture high-performance veterinary implants from titanium using 3D printing. The technology – which is covered by extensive patent protection throughout Europe, the US, 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.
Dr Dan Jones from the School of Engineering at the University 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.”
Fusion Implants will use the funding to expand its current product, hire a design engineer and finance new product development.
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.”
