Product Lifecycle Management Strategy for the Definition and Design Process of Face Implants Oriented to Specific Patients

The main purpose of this research was oriented to generate a structured model from an organizational vision to the definition and development of precise osteosynthesis prosthesis. Implants were adapted to the Colombian population anthropometry allowing fracture reductions and craniofacial defects corrections based on technologies for specific patients. This research was developed taking into account the first three PLM stages: Imagination, definition, and realization. Procedures, stages, roles, and activities that take part in the design and pre-surgical planning were identified for the patient-specific implants PSI, carried out through a study case. It was established as a definition model for design and fabrication process of patient-specific implants (PSI). It was possible that technology included in a collaborative workflow wherein the roles which intervene in the design process and the pre-surgical planning were related. The ability to design implants for specific patients and surgical guides was obtained different pathology situations including face trauma. According to the PLM strategy for designing custom implant, it would be possible to build innovation capabilities. With those, an organization could generate a collaborative workflow integrating stages, roles, activities, applying technology and local human resource. Further work related to the subject is necessary to enhance the process by iteration and improve the clinical cases management.