Department of Medical Engineering & Physics

Bioengineering - Biomaterials and Implant Technology Unit

Specialised biomaterials used in the manufacture of implants, for the support or replacement of tissue in the body, require both structure and design which takes into account the bioelectrical, biomechanical, biochemical and biocompatible demands on the device.  There is exponential growth in the classes and the individual types of devices which are available on the market.  Increasingly these surgical devices are subject to regulation and there is an onus on the Hospital to provide quality product, to track their use and to evaluate their performance while maintaining cost efficiency.  The success of implant surgery in orthopaedics and in other areas of medical treatment such as cancer treatment, drives the need for custom built devices.

The Biomaterials and Implant Technology Unit provides specialised skills related to routine implant devices and in the provision of custom devices utilising contemporary biomaterials and manufacturing techniques.

The Laboratory operates from purpose built facilities on Level 1, North Block on the Wellington Street Campus of Royal Perth Hospital which include facilities for custom implant design and manufacture, metallurgical analysis, corrosion testing, materials and equipment testing, tissue assay and computer modelling systems.

The service is unique to Royal Perth Hospital and as such, has State service responsibilities in areas including:

• implant tracking, retrieval and failure analysis
• biomaterials investigations
• candidate device evaluation
• custom implant design and manufacture
• research support and training

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Principal Bioengineer, Mr. Trevor Jones on 618 9224-3226 or email to trevor.jones@health.wa.gov.au.