Introduction of R&D center

In their R&D center, we develop new medical devices and systems to provide "optimal medical device for each patient." Most major orthopedic implants have been developed by Western companies and are often unfitted to the bone morphology and lifestyles of Japanese patients. Therefore, we aim to provide “personalized implants” that are fitted for the bone morphology and matched with lifestyles of Japanese and other Asian patients.

Experimental room

There are various pieces of equipment available for facilitating research activities, and to enable the development of new medical devices in R&D center.

Computed Tomography (CT) scan room/surgical training room

Reconstructed 3D CT images enable the development of personalized implants and provide a surgical support system. Surgeons can experience surgical training using 3D CT images and the digital navigation system in the training room.

Analysis room

Spectral data of a polyethylene plate measured by FT-IR

We have analyzed crystal and molecular structures, for example, various materials are evaluated using X-ray spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, ICP-AES, and gas chromatography. As a result, various materials are elucidated the biocompatibility as a medical device.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) room

SEM image of GS structure made using metal additive manufacturing machine — SEM image of GS structure manufactured by metal additive manufacturing machine

The surface topography of specimens can be measured in nano scale using SEM.

Cellular Genetic experimental room

Bright-field image (left) and fluorescence image (right) of cells transfected with fluorescent protein — Bright-field image (left) and fluorescence image (right) of cells transfected with fluorescent gene

The biocompatibility of different materials is evaluated by biological methods, for examples cell proliferation, cell differentiation, observation of cell morphology, and genetic analysis.