Members of the research team work on printing an implant to cure a patient with nutcracker syndrome. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

A research team from Yunnan University (YNU) managed to print the world’s first polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) implant using a 3D printer on Jan 24, providing a cure for a patient with nutcracker syndrome.

The research was conducted in partnership with the Fourth Military University (FMMU) in Xi’an, Shaanxi province.

The research team was led by Doctor Chen Yingtao from the School of Physics and Astronomy at YNU, who has dedicated himself to the development of 3D-printing technology.

YNU provided a customized printing model of the PEEK implant after FMMU informed the team of the pathological condition of the patient.

After performing safety checks on the printed implant, the team used their independently developed 3D printer to complete production of the implant –– enabling an operation on the patient to take place at FMMU.

Prior to printing the implant, the team had previously developed several different types of 3D printers, one of which was considered a top-level printer. At present, they hold three patents for invention and three for utility models.

The event was covered by China Central Television (CCTV).

A team member holds the PEEK implant manufactured using 3D printing technology. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Doctor Chen Yingtao at YNU. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]