MPN editor Laura Hughes caught up with Axial3D’s CTO Niall Haslam.
Could you tell me a little bit about your background?
My background is in helping clinicians and scientists understand biological data and integrate complex analytical tools. This helps them ask better questions and make better decisions about the care pathway for their patients.
I started off in genomics designing new methods of DNA sequencing - identifying the limitations of the new technology platforms and understanding the resolution that they could provide. I’ve also been involved in the scale-up production of drugs and drug design, so I have a good understanding of the manufacturing challenges required for healthcare applications. Quality in the manufacturing sense is key to the service that we provide.
My background is an odd mix of manufacturing and software development in the medical sectors, therefore Axial3D is the perfect blend of this experience. We manufacture patient-specific anatomical models and use software to generate these designs. Increasingly, these days cutting edge technologies are converging so you need experience in multiple fields in order to succeed. We see that in the team at Axial3D. We have people from a wide range of backgrounds and each of them contributes something unique to the company.
How does Axial3D help medical professionals?
We take MRI and CT scans and use machine learning to identify the anatomy within them. We then create a 3D printable version of the anatomy and print it for surgeons to help them plan operations more effectively and aid the patient consent process.
What made you want to work at Axial3D?
I wanted to get involved because it is a perfect blend of my interests and I get to help people. I love using computational models to understand biological problems (like identifying anatomy) and I love making things (printing that anatomy). There is something special about creating a tangible output and knowing that will be used to improve the standard of care for a patient.
Why do you think it is such a powerful idea?
I hesitate to use the word synergy, but honestly it is the best suited to describe the power of Axial3D. We bring together a number of powerful technologies and use them to make 3D printing more accessible. By doing this we make 3D printing routine and ultimately unlock other potential technology platforms in the future.
Where do you see Axial3D in five years’ time?
We see 3D printed anatomical models being used routinely in complex operations and pre-operative planning. We are starting to see the evidence confirming the effectiveness of this approach and the impact it makes in clinical education and decision making. We will be recruiting more patients for these trials to expand the type of operation that can benefit from this technology in the near future.
In the long term, the algorithms we are developing will be used to reduce the barriers to accessing custom made implants from a biocompatible material. We are doing some work in this area with Ulster University and other partners through the EU InterReg funded NW CAM project.
How can people find out more about you and your work?
We regularly present at meet-ups in Belfast and Dublin, as well as more technical conferences focused on artificial intelligence and 3D printing.
We are always open to collaboration and have worked with a number of other companies over the years on different aspects of our core and adjacent technologies.
If you are interested in working with us and there isn’t a role open do reach out as we are always interested in potential opportunities.
Social media:
Twitter: @Axial_3D and @HaslamNiall
Instagram: @axial_3d