Revolutionary Blood Recycling Machine Developed Using Stratasys 3D Printing Undergoes Successful Patient Trials

- New Hemosep device enables patient to undergo open-heart surgery while upholding religious beliefs

- UK-based company reduces prototyping costs by 96% using Stratasys 3D printed parts

MINNEAPOLIS and REHOVOT, Israel, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS), a leading global provider of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, today announced that Brightwake Ltd., has developed a revolutionary blood recycling machine, called the Hemosep, using Stratasys' Dimension 1200es 3D Printer.

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The Hemosep recovers blood spilled during open heart and major trauma surgery, concentrating the blood cells ready for transfusion back into the patient. This process, known as autotransfusion, reduces the volume of donor blood required and the problems associated with transfusion reaction. The prototype device features a number of Stratasys 3D printed parts, including the main filtration and cooling systems, enabling the Brightwake team to functionally test the system in its intended environment, before the final device is produced from metal. The device has been awarded the CE mark and is attracting global interest from distributors and healthcare providers.

"The Hemosep consists of a bag that uses chemical sponge technology and a mechanical agitator to concentrate blood sucked from a surgical site or drained from a heart-lung machine after surgery," says Steve Cotton, Brightwake's Director of Research and Development. "The cells are then returned to the patient via blood transfusion. In a climate of blood shortage, this recycling methodology has the potential to be a game-changer within the medical industry, saving the National Health Service millions."

Successful UK Trial Upholds Patient's Religious Beliefs

Successful clinical trials of over 100 open-heart surgery operations in Turkey confirmed the Hemosep's ability to significantly reduce the need for blood transfusions, and further trials are now continuing in the UK.

One of the first patients to benefit from the new Hemosep device is 50-year-old UK heart patient Julie Penoyer, who, as a Jehovah's Witness, requested not to receive donated blood products. Because the device captures, cleans and puts back lost blood lost during an operation, Hemosep was the perfect solution for her.

The success of Hemosep's use during Mrs. Penoyer's operation presents new possibilities for patients across the globe, whose religious beliefs mean that receiving donated blood is not an option.