Printing with living cells
The printer is specially designed to work with living cells and bio-materials, making it possible to print cartilage implants. Plastic Surgeon, Paul van Zuijlen, is extremely enthusiastic about this new technology: "This will allow us to provide individually tailored solutions for patients with disfiguration to the nose and ears."
In the laboratory, researchers grow human cartilage using the cells of a specific patient. The 3D printer uses this to print an implant with exactly the right shape to fit the patient. The printer is able to print using a variety of materials simultaneously, and will also be used for research into the repair of damaged tissues.
During my stay in the burns unit, I saw how much people need this. Back then, nobody dreamed it was possible. Fantastic that Aegon could support this.
This technology can be life changing, and Aegon's support touched a nerve among a number of its own employees. "I suffered serious burns myself a few years ago," says Maaike Feskens, who works in Aegon's claims department. "During my stay in the burns unit, I saw how much people need this. Back then, nobody dreamed it was possible. Fantastic that Aegon could support this. Great!"
Aegon sponsorship
Aegon in the Netherlands has supported the VU Medical Center in Amsterdam since 2002, as the main sponsor of the VU MC Alzheimer Center. The Center is one of four in The Netherlands, primarily focusing on early onset dementia in young people. They are researching methods that help detect the disease early on. This is an important step in the effective treatment of Alzheimer. At Aegon we believe that we have a role to play in providing our customers with the tools and confidence to take responsibility for their financial future. This is a particular challenge for Alzheimer's patients.
