Use of 3D Printing to Prototype a Custom Shape Memory Alloy Penile Prosthesis

Three-dimensional (3D) printing or additive printing is a new technology that allows for construction of complex shapes and designs outside the constraints of traditional manufacturing techniques. Traditional 3D printing was limited to thermosensitive plastics that have limited medical applications.
Herein, we describe the application of a cutting edge process that allows for 3D printing of shape memory alloys (SMA) using inks of shape memory alloy powder. Using our previously described concept of a SMA penile prosthesis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, we sought to construct an intracavernosal cylinder using 3D printing technology.