The process starts in the clinic. In a complicated bone fracture, for example, the doctor uses image data acquired by computed tomography (CT) to choose a suitable implant, which he then positions in the region of the fracture with the help of a computer. However, a prerequisite is that the implant geometries must be stored in a database, and the implants must be warehoused at the clinic or be available on call directly from a manufacturer. Software from the Siemens Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) provides custom solutions for processing the data workflow and for documenting every production step – a particular necessity for implants. Here, it is a matter of supporting an entire medical technology production process, from the CT image, to the hospital’s data workflow, to the actual production of the implant – and Siemens supports this entire process.

When implants customized for a particular patient are needed, the procedure is different. Instead of using prefabricated parts, these implants must be produced individually, with the support of 3D image processing. In this case, the implant geometries obtained from the CT image, with the calculated contours and shapes, are used to guide machine tools that produce implants with an exact fit. The feasibility of the planned production processes is determined in advance, through a graphic simulation on-screen, using the NXCAM CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) system from Siemens PLM. This prevents possible collisions or damage to the work piece contours, and simulates the entire process of producing the desired implant in real time before the actual attempt is made to cut the expensive titanium material. High Speed Cutting Technology requires a powerful CNC-equipment. The SINUMERIK 840D sl from Siemens is the pioneering system platform for perfect surfaces, precision, speed, and productivity. That covers the whole process chain and fulfills the high expectations of medical technology for implants and more.