Projects
Development of innovative zirconia implants from novel materials, surface modification to biological responses KU Leuven
Zirconia ceramics are rapidly becoming the material of choice for metal-free dental implants, because of their superior mechanical characteristics, excellent biocompatibility with low bacterial plaque affinity and natural aesthetics. The long-term clinical success of dental implants largely depends on their osseointegration potential, which is highly influenced by surface chemistry and topography. The osseointegration potential of zirconia, ...
Advanced power management ASIC for wirelessly powered and energy scavenging deep implants KU Leuven
The last decade has seen a tremendous revolution in all kinds of wearable health devices. Advances in ultra-low-power analog circuit design for various health sensing as well as advances in sensor technology for various biomarkers have been instrumental in this revolution. While wearables are becoming increasingly mainstream, the research field is seeing a shift toward minimally invasive implantable solutions. Miniature electronic implants ...
Optimal sound transmission of acoustic hearing implants to the inner ear. KU Leuven
In recent years, new implants driving the inner ear through mechanical vibrations have been developed. Evidence states that by attaching the implant directly to the inner ear’s fluid, many patients can be helped. Despite its clinical success, an important variation in hearing outcome is noted. Currently, objective feedback on how the auditory system is stimulated by the device during its surgical implantation is lacking. This project aims to ...
Regeneration and remodeling of sensory innervation around dental implants treated with platelet-rich plasma. KU Leuven
Teeth missing and subsequent dental implant placement, which are commonly seen along with population aging, may consequently change oral motor behavior and impair natural biting function with excessive damage to original periodontal mechanoreceptors. On the other hand, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as a promising autologous growth factor, is considered to be able to affect the healing of peripheral nerve fibres. To explore the response of ...
Developing Smart and Selective Neural Implants. KU Leuven
Manufacturing Tailored Medical Implants with Evolving Stiffness KU Leuven
Millions of bone fractures occur worldwide of which a significant number are treated operatively. Despite advancements in the fields of biomechanics and production technology, the plates and screws used for operative fixation have barely changed since the 1960s. Using these devices, surgeons unfortunately tend to create overly stiff fixations that can lead to impaired healing. Additionally, although patients have different fracture ...
Expanding the capabilities of laser ablation-single particle-ICP-mass spectrometry imaging to study in situ degradation of medical implants Ghent University
Even though medical implants are composed of biocompatible materials, interaction with fluids and cells in the biologically active environment of the human body leads to implant deterioration over time. Early research on orthopaedic metal-on-metal hip prostheses revealed significant release of metallic particulates into the peri-prosthetic tissue via mechanical wear and corrosion. Although the range of analytical techniques for the ...
Investigations on 3D-printed shoulder implants with custom micro-structured surfaces for wear reduction KU Leuven
In the current orthopaedic practice wear of artificial joints is a well-established problem. These implants wear out, become loose with time and need to be replaced. Therefore, it is necessary to minimise wear and consequently the debris load to improve artificial joint survival. Since inadequate component lubrication in vivo leads to wear of the implant, a novel concept to increase lubrication in orthopaedic implants was developed. This ...