| Abstract | Prolaps zdjeličnih organa (POP) predstavlja čest zdravstveni problem kod žena, uzrokujući
spuštanje zdjeličnih organa u rodnicu zbog oslabljene potpore zdjeličnog dna. Kao jedna od
konzervativnih metoda liječenja POP-a koriste se pesari, medicinska pomagala koja pružaju
mehaničku potporu organima. Tradicionalni pesari izrađuju se u različitim oblicima i veličinama,
a njihova učinkovitost ovisi o kvaliteti materijala i preciznosti izrade. Cilj ovog rada je razviti i
proizvesti prototip silikonskog pesara pomoću naprednih tehnika 3D modeliranja, 3D printanja
kalupa i lijevanja medicinskog silikona. Razvoj pesara započinje računalnim 3D modeliranjem u
CAD softveru OnShape, kojim je definiran oblik i dimenzije pesara te odgovarajući kalup za
njegovu izradu. Kalup je zatim izrađen aditivnom tehnologijom 3D printanja korištenjem PETG
materijala, poznatog po svojoj kemijskoj otpornosti i mehaničkoj stabilnosti. Nakon printanja,
površina kalupa obrađena je brušenjem kako bi se osigurala glatka završna obrada silikonskog
proizvoda. Za samu izradu pesara korišten je dvokomponentni RTV (Room Temperature
Vulcanizing) medicinski silikon, koji se odlikuje visokom fleksibilnošću, biokompatibilnošću i
dugotrajnom kemijskom stabilnošću. Proces proizvodnje uključivao je precizno odmjeravanje
komponenti silikona, njihovo miješanje i lijevanje u pripremljeni PETG kalup. Nakon
stvrdnjavanja silikona, pesar je pažljivo uklonjen iz kalupa, a završna obrada uključivala je
uklanjanje mogućih nepravilnosti i kontrolu kvalitete gotovog proizvoda. Primjena tehnologije 3D
printanja omogućila je brzu i preciznu izradu kalupa, dok je korištenje medicinskog silikona
osiguralo visoku kvalitetu i sigurnost konačnog proizvoda. Ovakav pristup izradi medicinskih
pomagala otvara mogućnosti za daljnje poboljšanje konzervativnog liječenja POP-a, smanjenje
troškova proizvodnje i povećanje dostupnosti pesara pacijenticama. |
| Abstract (english) | Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common health issue among women, characterized by the descent
of pelvic organs into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor support. One of the
conservative treatment methods for POP involves the use of pessaries, medical devices that
provide mechanical support to the affected organs. Traditional pessaries are manufactured in
various shapes and sizes, with their effectiveness depending on material quality and production
precision. The objective of this study is to develop and manufacture a prototype silicone pessary
using advanced techniques such as 3D modeling, 3D printing of molds, and medical silicone
casting. The development process begins with computer-aided 3D modeling in OnShape CAD
software, where the shape and dimensions of the pessary, along with the corresponding mold, are
defined. The mold is then fabricated using additive manufacturing technology, specifically 3D
printing with PETG material, known for its chemical resistance and mechanical stability. After
printing, the mold's surface undergoes a finishing process, including grinding, to ensure a smooth
final product. The pessary itself is produced using a two-component RTV (Room Temperature
Vulcanizing) medical-grade silicone, chosen for its high flexibility, biocompatibility, and long
term chemical stability. The production process includes precise measurement of silicone
components, thorough mixing, and casting into the prepared PETG mold. Once the silicone has
cured, the pessary is carefully removed from the mold, and the final processing stage involves the
removal of any surface imperfections and quality control of the finished product. The application
of 3D printing technology has enabled the rapid and precise fabrication of molds, while the use of
medical-grade silicone ensures the high quality and safety of the final product. This approach to
manufacturing medical devices presents opportunities for further improvements in conservative
POP treatment, reduction of production costs, and increased availability of pessaries to patients. |
