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Biomaterials

Biomaterials in surgery: Biomatlab

Replacement or construction of tissues and organs is an area of rapid development. Artificial materials are widely used, such as joint replacements, materials for fracture treatment and stents for blood vessel support. The biomaterial-related aspects of success or failure are not fully known.

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About Biomatlab

Biomatlab is located in the laboratory building at Haukeland University Hospital (HUS). The laboratory has an analysis centre for retrieved orthopedic implants (retrievals) and associated tissue biopsies and blood samples stored in a biobank. Clinical performance of artificial materials can be predicted and improved by investigation of the retrieved devices that have been in clinical use, by a translational research approach, addressing biocompatibility and assessment of physical behavior. 

Our laboratory has a modern infrastructure with advanced equipment for research and testing. We offer, among other things, trace metal analysis (ICP-MS), radiostereometric analysis (RSA), biomechanical testing, microscopy, corrosion testing, 3D scanning and 3D printing.

The overall goal of our projects is to improve the performance and safety of orthopaedic and other surgical implants by a clinic-laboratory interaction

(”from bedside to lab”).

Four subprojects, which all are linked to clinical activities are currently being addressed:

I. Retrieval analysis and clinical trials of knee and hip replacements.

    Read more: Bergen retrieval center for implants and Randomized Clinical Trials involving Radiostereometric Analysis (RSA)

II. Implant failure simulation and quality control of clinical techniques

III. Internal exposure and biological response (biocompatibility) to wear particles and metal ions from surgical implants

IV. Innovation of new biomaterials and medical devices