Comparison of 3D printed nose bolus to traditional wax bolus for cost‐effectiveness, volumetric accuracy and dosimetric effect

This review summarizes the utility of 3D-printing as a surgical adjunct, reviewing the cost–effectiveness. The relevant literature was analyzed outlining the utility and/or cost–effectiveness of 3D-printing for clinical use. Compared with existing methods, the evidence suggests an advantage of using 3D-printing as a technology in the treatment of complex clinical cases. However, in high frequency cases, the additional preoperative expenses are not justified. Considerable evidence of its clinical benefits exists for the application of 3D-printed anatomical models and teaching tools. However, the evidence supporting 3D-printing’s use as surgical guides or implantable devices is less clear. Furthermore, caution must exist when using these devices in the clinical setting due to a paucity of rigorous testing, global regulation and long-term data.

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3D printed bio-models for medical applications

Rapid Prototyping Journal ◽

10.1108/rpj-08-2015-0102 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 227-235 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Yee Ling Yap ◽

Yong Sheng Edgar Tan ◽

Heang Kuan Joel Tan ◽

Zhen Kai Peh ◽

Xue Yi Low ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Data Acquisition ◽

Design Process ◽

Data Sources ◽

Printing Process ◽

Content Type ◽

Printing Technique ◽

Material Requirement ◽

3D Printed ◽

Design Factors

Purpose The design process of a bio-model involves multiple factors including data acquisition technique, material requirement, resolution of the printing technique, cost-effectiveness of the printing process and end-use requirements. This paper aims to compare and highlight the effects of these design factors on the printing outcome of bio-models. Design/methodology/approach Different data sources including engineering drawing, computed tomography (CT), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were converted to a printable data format. Three different bio-models, namely, an ophthalmic model, a retina model and a distal tibia model, were printed using two different techniques, namely, PolyJet and fused deposition modelling. The process flow and 3D printed models were analysed. Findings The data acquisition and 3D printing process affect the overall printing resolution. The design process flows using different data sources were established and the bio-models were printed successfully. Research limitations/implications Data acquisition techniques contained inherent noise data and resulted in inaccuracies during data conversion. Originality/value This work showed that the data acquisition and conversion technique had a significant effect on the quality of the bio-model blueprint and subsequently the printing outcome. In addition, important design factors of bio-models were highlighted such as material requirement and the cost-effectiveness of the printing technique. This paper provides a systematic discussion for future development of an engineering design process in three-dimensional (3D) printed bio-models.

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Preliminary Cost-Effectiveness Assessment of 3D Printed Anatomic Models for Congenital Heart Diseases

Value in Health ◽

10.1016/j.jval.2016.09.1982 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 19 (7) ◽

pp. A692

Author(s):

P Tack ◽

L Annemans

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Congenital Heart ◽

Heart Diseases ◽

Congenital Heart Diseases ◽

Anatomic Models ◽

3D Printed ◽

Effectiveness Assessment ◽

Cost Effectiveness Assessment

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3D Printing – an avenue for accessible innovation in urology

Journal of 3D Printing in Medicine ◽

10.2217/3dp-2020-0015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 149-152

Author(s):

Jasamine Coles-Black ◽

Ian Chao ◽

Jason Chuen ◽

Nathan Lawrentschuk ◽

Dennis Gyomber ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

3D Printing ◽

Patient Care ◽

Ileal Conduit ◽

New Technology ◽

Special Report ◽

Manufacturing Technique ◽

Healthcare Environment ◽

3D Printed ◽

Stoma Care

3D printing is a novel manufacturing technique that allows surgeons to turn their ideas into reality within the healthcare environment. While surgeons are accustomed to assuming a position of leadership where frontier technologies intersect with patient care, barriers to the uptake of 3D printing include lack of expertise among surgeons, and the perceived cost and inaccessibility of the technology. This special report highlights the ease and cost–effectiveness of this new technology with a uro-oncological lens. We highlight the example of a 3D printed flexible urostomy trainer developed to educate patients on stoma care prior to ileal conduit surgery, which was 3D printed in our hospital for £0.15 within an hour of conception by our urology department.

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A Low-Cost Soft Robotic Hand Exoskeleton for Use in Therapy of Limited Hand–Motor Function

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app9183751 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (18) ◽

pp. 3751 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Grant Rudd ◽

Liam Daly ◽

Vukica Jovanovic ◽

Filip Cuckov

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Low Cost ◽

Human Hand ◽

Robotic Hand ◽

Healthy Human ◽

3D Printed ◽

Hand Exoskeleton ◽

Arduino Microcontroller ◽

Work Done

We present the design and validation of a low-cost, customizable and 3D-printed anthropomorphic soft robotic hand exoskeleton for rehabilitation of hand injuries using remotely administered physical therapy regimens. The design builds upon previous work done on cable actuated exoskeleton designs by implementing the same kinematic functionality, but with the focus shifted to ease of assembly and cost effectiveness as to allow patients and physicians to manufacture and assemble the hardware necessary to implement treatment. The exoskeleton was constructed solely from 3D-printed and widely available off-the-shelf components. Control of the actuators was realized using an Arduino microcontroller, with a custom-designed shield to facilitate ease of wiring. Tests were conducted to verify that the range of motion of the digits and the forces exerted at the fingertip coincided with those of a healthy human hand.

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