3D Printing Allows for Agile Sensor Development and New Trade-Offs in Hygiene vs. Waste

Research on surface-electromyography (EMG) for anal function testing started 20 years ago. However as of now, no medical device is commercially available for anal neuromonitoring or clinical studies. Pathological alteration of neuronal structures in the event of fecal incontinence (FI) are not understood because the morphology and geometry of anal innervation cannot be investigated. FI is multifactorial and the people affected range from newborns with malformations to geriatric patients including young women postpartum, middle aged men and women who underwent colorectal surgery or radiation therapy. A diagnostic medical device that serves all members of this heterogeneous group equally might be variable in shape and size. This paper analyzes the need for variable sensor shapes and possibilities of 3D-printed bio-compatible and biodegradable sensors. Additively manufactured sensors can enable cost-efficient, eco-friendly single-use products to improve patient safety and hygiene without driving waste and carbon footprint.