Manufacture of medical tools from innovative ceramics - the example of scalpels

Professor Dr.-Ing. Saxler

This pertains to the development and validation of a testing method for the evaluation of the operational characteristics of micro-surgical scalpels.

Conventional ceramics as cutting agent for medical materials has been limited in its use, due to the brittle material behaviour. A new ceramic material, however, combines a high degree of strength, toughness and hardness and thus has great potential for medical applications. Given the high demand for scalpels used in eye surgery (cataracts) and the predominant use of disposable metal blades, significant benefits are envisaged from the use of ceramic scalpels. A ceramic scalpel is reusable and would avoid the environmental burden of hazardous waste generated by metal blades and their packaging.
The main goal of this project is the development of re-producible testing methods for the evaluation of operational properties of eye scalpels made of this innovative ceramic. Furthermore, the durability of the sharp blade vis a vis the influences of practical applications is to be examined. Through the systematic analysis of the entire process chain, from the manufacture of the blank through to the medical deployment of the finished scalpel, the cost effectiveness of this new development is to be examined.

Professor Saxler responds to questions about his research:

Question 1: How did you get the idea for this research project?

An acquaintance (now a project partner) approached me and we did some brainstorming. Then we talked to a number of potential project partners, who expressed immediate interest.


Question 2: Did you encounter any particular difficulties or challenges in the lead-up, before you were able to start researching?

Yes, we had to look into where we could accommodate the laboratory. Bergisch Gladbach, as a location, provided excellent infrastructure. Finding students for the project was not too difficult. There were a number of people interested and they developed into really good workers.


Question 3: How do you envisage the future of this project. (in the short and long term; are the research findings going to find broad applications in everyday life?)

Clearly in the long term! But in a slightly different field. I am currently managing a new project with which I would like to place a new emphasis in Mechanical Engineering at the RFH: "tooling technology". I would like to broaden the education through the addition of such a specialisation. I colleagues whether there was any interest in participating. The response was good.
My focus would become machining technology, tooling applications, tool manufacture, tool reconditioning, FEM in machining technology etc. These are core themes and classic mechanical engineering topics. But the idea I have in terms of research is, to the best of my knowledge, a clear unique selling point. I am strongly involved in the relevant national professional association (a small but distinguished association) and am getting their full support; a good foundation, I find.


On the 2. part of the question: The research findings of my ceramic project, through the support of our medical partner, are bound to find their applications in ophthalmology (and perhaps also in plastic surgery) We are planning the start-up of a spin-off company, which, in my opinion, will be able to earn a good living.


Question 4: Would you again engage in research after the completion of your current research project? And if so, in the same field of technology or a different one?

See response to question 3.

 

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