Scientists develop 3D printing micro valves that alleviate microcephaly

Recently, with the help of 3D printing technology , a team of scientists from the University of Mexico's Autonomous University of Morelos (UAEM) developed a device. The device is a microvalve that releases excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. This microvalve can help reduce the effects of microcephaly on the fetus.

Microcephaly is a medical disease that causes the fetal brain to fail to develop normally, eventually leading to a small or deformed head of the fetus. The same is true for the Zika virus, which causes mental retardation, motor and speech dysfunction, epilepsy and dwarfism at birth or during the first few years of life. In addition, excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the skull can also affect or deform the head of the fetus.

To reduce the effects of excess cerebrospinal fluid on fetal malformations, a team of scientists from UAEM designed an innovative microvalve that effectively drains excess cerebrospinal fluid. Dr. Said Robles Casolco, who works at the UAEM Center for Engineering and Applied Sciences, explains that if the fetus is diagnosed with a microcephaly (generally diagnosed within 8 months of gestation), they will use this biocompatible material. The microvalve to 3D printing is implanted into the fetal skull through a small incision.

Once inserted into the brain, the 3D printed microvalve will begin to release excess cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the pressure on the brain caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid, thus allowing the brain to develop normally. Some fetuses can't completely eliminate excess cerebrospinal fluid because of the severity of the disease. Even so, the microvalve can help alleviate the serious condition and minimize the impact of microcephaly on the fetus. Dr. Said Robles explained: "It is worth noting that microvalves do not address microcephaly, but it helps to inhibit the development of this congenital disease."

Of course, cerebrospinal fluid, a buffer zone in the cerebral cortex, is also an important part of fetal development. Therefore, the 3D printing valve is specifically designed to release excess cerebrospinal fluid. That is, the device is designed to keep air and other substances out of the cortex (maintaining the protective layer of the brain). At the same time, the normal growth of the fetus is maintained by releasing the necessary cerebrospinal fluid.

At present, the micro-valve of 3D printing is still in the prototype stage, and the team of scientists is accelerating the development. Although it is not known how much such a device will cost a patient, the researchers intend to make the price of the microvalve as low as possible. If everything goes well in the final prototype phase, this innovative medical device will be available as early as 2017.

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