Innovation funding for 3D-printed ostomy seal set

Medical technology company Singular Health, in collaboration with national science agency CSIRO, has received a $100,000 funding boost from the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC).

The funding will support development and commercialisation of a personalised 3D-printed ostomy seal set, which acts as a seal between a patient’s abdomen and stoma bag.

The 9-month project, enabled by $538,984 total cash and in-kind contributions from all three organisations, will use CSIRO-developed software to build on Singular Health’s existing 3Dicom Scan to Surgery software, creating a ‘surface scan to model’ extension that will provide the 3D visualisation capability needed to process patient scans and customise the device.

The ostomy seal can then be designed and manufactured to suit each patient’s unique morphology, greatly reducing the risk of leakage, a common issue that compromises the effectiveness of generic devices.

Singular Health Chief Executive Officer Thomas Hanly said that the IMCRC activate funding would enable the company to streamline design and manufacturing processes needed to effectively commercialise the device and thus pave the way for future advancements.

“Currently, manufacturing patient specific medical devices is time-consuming and costly. Singular Health’s Scan to Surgery software, incorporating CSIRO developed software for fast customisation, will transform this workflow, substantially reducing processing time and enabling clinicians to move from scanning to production of the 3D-printed seal in under 60 minutes,” he said.

“This device is just one example of how shorter-term, agile projects continue to play a pivotal role in supporting advancements that deliver significant health and economic benefits for Australians.”

Vu Nguyen, CSIRO Project Lead, said that the project represented a great opportunity for CSIRO to provide the expertise and equipment needed to accelerate the project and create mutually beneficial opportunities.

“By supporting Singular Health to develop the fast, personalised stoma seal design and 3D visualisation capability software, CSIRO continues to demonstrate how digital health innovations can transform patient outcomes.”

David Chuter, IMCRC’s CEO and Managing Director, said that IMCRC was pleased to be co-funding the scaling and commercialisation of the revolutionary medical device, made possible through advances in additive manufacturing processes and biopolymer technologies.

“The customised ostomy seal is a perfect example of Australian innovation solving a niche but very real problem, and the upcoming project is a testament to the importance of industry and research organisations uniting to drive real-world outcomes,” he said.

Image caption: Render of ostomy seal. Source: Singular Health.