3D Printing for Complex Cranial Surgery Education: Technical Overview and Preliminary Validation Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher S Graffeo ◽  
Avital Perry ◽  
Lucas P Carlstrom ◽  
Maria Peris-Celda ◽  
Amy Alexander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Cranial Surgery ◽  
Selection Accuracy ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
3D Printed

Abstract Background: 3D printing—also known as additive manufacturing—has a wide range of applications. Reproduction of low-cost, high-fidelity, disease- or patient-specific models presents a key developmental area in simulation and education research for complex cranial surgery. Methods: Using cadaveric dissections as source materials, skull base models were created, printed, and tested for educational value in teaching complex cranial approaches. In this pilot study, assessments were made on the value of 3D printed models demonstrating the retrosigmoid and posterior petrosectomy approaches. Models were assessed and tested in a small cohort of neurosurgery resident subjects (n = 3) using a series of 10 radiographic and 2 printed case examples, with efficacy determined via agreement survey and approach selection accuracy. Results: All subjects indicated agreement or strong agreement for all study endpoints that 3D printed models provided significant improvements in understanding of neuroanatomic relationships and principles of approach selection, as compared to 2D dissections or patient cross-sectional imaging alone. Models were not superior to in-person hands-on teaching. Mean approach selection accuracy was 90% ( ±  13%) for 10 imaging-based cases, or 92% ( ±  7%) overall. Trainees strongly agreed that approach decision-making was enhanced by adjunctive use of 3D models for both radiographic and printed cases. Conclusion: 3D printed models incorporating skull base approaches and/or pathologies provide a compelling addition to the complex cranial education armamentarium. Based on our preliminary analysis, 3D printed models offer substantial potential for pedagogical value as dissection guides, adjuncts to preoperative study and case preparation, or tools for approach selection training and evaluation.

scholarly journals Accessing 3D Printed Vascular Phantoms for Procedural Simulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasamine Coles-Black ◽  
Damien Bolton ◽  
Jason Chuen
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Endovascular Procedures ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Ct Angiogram ◽  
Abdominal Aortic ◽  
3D Printed

Introduction: 3D printed patient-specific vascular phantoms provide superior anatomical insights for simulating complex endovascular procedures. Currently, lack of exposure to the technology poses a barrier for adoption. We offer an accessible, low-cost guide to producing vascular anatomical models using routine CT angiography, open source software packages and a variety of 3D printing technologies.Methods: Although applicable to all vascular territories, we illustrate our methodology using Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) due to the strong interest in this area. CT aortograms acquired as part of routine care were converted to representative patient-specific 3D models, and then printed using a variety of 3D printing technologies to assess their material suitability as aortic phantoms. Depending on the technology, phantoms cost $20–$1,000 and were produced in 12–48 h. This technique was used to generate hollow 3D printed thoracoabdominal aortas visible under fluoroscopy.Results: 3D printed AAA phantoms were a valuable addition to standard CT angiogram reconstructions in the simulation of complex cases, such as short or very angulated necks, or for positioning fenestrations in juxtarenal aneurysms. Hollow flexible models were particularly useful for device selection and in planning of fenestrated EVAR. In addition, these models have demonstrated utility other settings, such as patient education and engagement, and trainee and anatomical education. Further study is required to establish a material with optimal cost, haptic and fluoroscopic fidelity.Conclusion: We share our experiences and methodology for developing inexpensive 3D printed vascular phantoms which despite material limitations, successfully mimic the procedural challenges encountered during live endovascular surgery. As the technology continues to improve, 3D printed vascular phantoms have the potential to disrupt how endovascular procedures are planned and taught.

scholarly journals 3D Printing—A “Touch-Button” Approach to Manufacture Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 924
Author(s):  
Merima Sirbubalo ◽  
Amina Tucak ◽  
Kenan Muhamedagic ◽  
Lamija Hindija ◽  
Ognjenka Rahić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Transdermal Drug Delivery ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Transdermal Administration ◽  
Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Production Technologies ◽  
3D Printed

Microneedles (MNs) represent the concept of attractive, minimally invasive puncture devices of micron-sized dimensions that penetrate the skin painlessly and thus facilitate the transdermal administration of a wide range of active substances. MNs have been manufactured by a variety of production technologies, from a range of materials, but most of these manufacturing methods are time-consuming and expensive for screening new designs and making any modifications. Additive manufacturing (AM) has become one of the most revolutionary tools in the pharmaceutical field, with its unique ability to manufacture personalized dosage forms and patient-specific medical devices such as MNs. This review aims to summarize various 3D printing technologies that can produce MNs from digital models in a single step, including a survey on their benefits and drawbacks. In addition, this paper highlights current research in the field of 3D printed MN-assisted transdermal drug delivery systems and analyzes parameters affecting the mechanical properties of 3D printed MNs. The current regulatory framework associated with 3D printed MNs as well as different methods for the analysis and evaluation of 3D printed MN properties are outlined.

scholarly journals In-Hospital 3D Printed Scaphoid Prosthesis Using Medical-Grade Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Biomaterial

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Philipp Honigmann ◽  
Neha Sharma ◽  
Ralf Schumacher ◽  
Jasmine Rueegg ◽  
Mathias Haefeli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Patient Specific Implants ◽  
Surgical Guides ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Medical Grade

Recently, three-dimensional (3D) printing has become increasingly popular in the medical sector for the production of anatomical biomodels, surgical guides, and prosthetics. With the availability of low-cost desktop 3D printers and affordable materials, the in-house or point-of-care manufacturing of biomodels and Class II medical devices has gained considerable attention in personalized medicine. Another projected development in medical 3D printing for personalized treatment is the in-house production of patient-specific implants (PSIs) for partial and total bone replacements made of medical-grade material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). We present the first in-hospital 3D printed scaphoid prosthesis using medical-grade PEEK with fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technology.

scholarly journals Three-dimensional printing versus conventional machining in the creation of a meatal urethral dilator: a cost and mechanical strength analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Yue-Cheng Chen ◽  
Jacob Skewes ◽  
Ryan Daley ◽  
Maria Ann Woodruff ◽  
Nicholas John Rukin
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Strength Analysis ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Conventional Machining

Abstract Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising technology in medicine. Low-cost 3D printing options are accessible but the limitations are often poorly understood. We aim to compare fused deposition modelling (FDM), the most common and low cost 3D printing technique, with selective laser sintering (SLS) and conventional machining techniques in manufacturing meatal urethral dilators which were recently removed from the Australian market.Methods A meatal urethral dilator was designed using computer-aided design (CAD). The dilator was 3D printed vertically orientated on a low cost FDM 3D printer in polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It was also 3D printed horizontally orientated in ABS on a high-end FDM 3D printer with soluble support material, as well as on a SLS 3D printer in medical nylon. The dilator was also machined in medical stainless steel using a lathe. All dilators were tested mechanically in a custom rig by hanging calibrated weights from the handle until the dilator snapped.Results The horizontally printed ABS dilator experienced failure at a greater load than the vertically printed PLA and ABS dilators respectively (503g vs 283g vs 163g, p < 0.001). The SLS nylon dilator did not fail but began to bend and deformed at around 5,000g of pressure. The steel dilator did not bend even at 10,000g of pressure. The cost per dilator is highest for the steel dilator if assuming a low quantity of five at 98 USD, but this decreases to 30 USD for a quantity of 1000. In contrast, the cost for the SLS dilator is 33 USD for a quantity of five but relatively unchanged at 27 for a quantity of 1000.Conclusions SLS and conventional machining created clinically functional meatal dilators but low-cost FDM printing could not. We suggest that at the current time 3D printing is not a replacement for conventional manufacturing techniques which are still the most reliable way to produce large quantities of parts with a simple geometry such as the meatal dilator. 3D printing is best used for patient-specific parts, prototyping or manufacturing complex parts that have additional functionality that cannot be achieved with conventional machining methods.

scholarly journals Point-of-care 3D printing: a low-cost approach to teaching carotid artery stenting

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter De Backer ◽  
Charlotte Allaeys ◽  
Charlotte Debbaut ◽  
Roel Beelen
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Carotid Artery Stenting ◽  
3D Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Stent Deployment ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
3D Printed

Abstract Background Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) is increasingly being used in selected patients as a minimal invasive approach to carotid endarterectomy. Despite the long standing tradition of endovascular treatments, visual feedback during stent-deployment is impossible to obtain as deployment is performed under fluoroscopic imaging. Furthermore, the concept of stent-placement is often still unclear to patients. 3D Printing allows to replicate patient-specific anatomies and deploy stents inside them to simulate procedures. As such these models are being used for endovascular training as well as patient education. Purpose To our knowledge, this study reports the first use of a low-cost patient-specific 3D printed model for teaching CAS deployment under direct visualization, without fluoroscopy. Methodology A CT-angiogram was segmented and converted to STL format using Mimics inPrint™ software. The carotid arteries were bilaterally truncated to fit the whole model on a Formlabs 2 printer without omitting the internal vessel diameter. Next, this model was offset using a 1 mm margin. A ridge was modelled on the original vessel anatomy which was subsequently subtracted from the offset model in order to obtain a deroofed 3D model. All vessels were truncated to facilitate post-processing, flow and guide wire placement. Results Carotid artery stents were successfully deployed inside the vessel. The deroofing allows for clear visualization of the bottlenecks and characteristics of CAS deployment and positioning, including stent foreshortening, tapering and recoil. This low-cost 3D model provides visual insights in stent deployment and positioning, and can allow for patient-specific procedure planning. Conclusions The presented approach demonstrates the use of low-cost 3D Printed CAS models in teaching complex stent behavior as observed during deployment. Two main findings are illustrated. On one hand, the feasibility of low-cost in-hospital model production is shown. On the other hand, the teaching of CAS deployment bottlenecks at the carotid level without the need for fluoroscopic guidance, is illustrated. The observed stent characteristics as shown during deployment are difficult to assess in radiologic models. Furthermore, printing patient-specific 3D models preoperatively could possibly assist in accurate patient selection, preoperative planning, case-specific training and patient education.

scholarly journals Microstructured Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor Based on Inkjet 3D Printing Using Photocurable Resins with Tailored Refractive Index

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2518
Author(s):  
Nunzio Cennamo ◽  
Lorena Saitta ◽  
Claudio Tosto ◽  
Francesco Arcadio ◽  
Luigi Zeni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Plasmon Resonance ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Surface Plasmon ◽  
Plasmon Resonance ◽  
Optical Sensor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
3D Print ◽  
Spr Sensor ◽  
Resonance Sensor ◽  
3D Printed

In this work, a novel approach to realize a plasmonic sensor is presented. The proposed optical sensor device is designed, manufactured, and experimentally tested. Two photo-curable resins are used to 3D print a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. Both numerical and experimental analyses are presented in the paper. The numerical and experimental results confirm that the 3D printed SPR sensor presents performances, in term of figure of merit (FOM), very similar to other SPR sensors made using plastic optical fibers (POFs). For the 3D printed sensor, the measured FOM is 13.6 versus 13.4 for the SPR-POF configuration. The cost analysis shows that the 3D printed SPR sensor can be manufactured at low cost (∼15 €) that is competitive with traditional sensors. The approach presented here allows to realize an innovative SPR sensor showing low-cost, 3D-printing manufacturing free design and the feasibility to be integrated with other optical devices on the same plastic planar support, thus opening undisclosed future for the optical sensor systems.

scholarly journals A Cross-sectional Survey of the North American Skull Base Society: Current Practice Patterns of Vestibular Schwannoma Evaluation and Management in North America

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (03) ◽  
pp. 289-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Van Gompel ◽  
R. Wiet ◽  
Nicole Tombers ◽  
Anand Devaiah ◽  
Devyani Lal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
North American ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Wide Range

Background Very few studies have examined vestibular schwannoma (VS) management trends across centers and between providers. The objective of this study is to examine current practice trends, variance in treatment philosophies, and nuanced or controversial aspects of VS care across North America. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey of North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) members who report regular involvement in VS care. Results A total of 57 completed surveys were returned. Most respondents claimed to have over 20 years of experience and the majority reported working in an academic practice with an affiliated otolaryngology and/or neurosurgery residency program. Sixty-three percent of respondents claimed to evaluate VS patients in clinic with both an otolaryngologist and neurosurgeon involved. Eighty-six percent of respondents claimed to operate on VS with both an otolaryngologist and neurosurgeon involved, while only 18% of neurosurgeons and 9% of otolaryngologists performed surgery alone. There was a wide range in the number of cases evaluated at each center annually. Similarly, there was wide variation in the number of patients treated with microsurgery and radiation at each center. Additional details regarding management preferences for microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, and conservative observation are presented. Conclusion VS management practices vary between providers and centers. Overall, most centers employ a multidisciplinary approach to management with collaboration between otolaryngology and neurosurgery. Overall, survey responses concur with previous studies suggesting a shift toward conservatism in management.

scholarly journals Hybrid Spine Simulator Prototype for X-ray Free Pedicle Screws Fixation Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1038
Author(s):  
Sara Condino ◽  
Giuseppe Turini ◽  
Virginia Mamone ◽  
Paolo Domenico Parchi ◽  
Vincenzo Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Pedicle Screws ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Innovative Strategy ◽  
X Ray ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Harmful Radiation

Simulation for surgical training is increasingly being considered a valuable addition to traditional teaching methods. 3D-printed physical simulators can be used for preoperative planning and rehearsal in spine surgery to improve surgical workflows and postoperative patient outcomes. This paper proposes an innovative strategy to build a hybrid simulation platform for training of pedicle screws fixation: the proposed method combines 3D-printed patient-specific spine models with augmented reality functionalities and virtual X-ray visualization, thus avoiding any exposure to harmful radiation during the simulation. Software functionalities are implemented by using a low-cost tracking strategy based on fiducial marker detection. Quantitative tests demonstrate the accuracy of the method to track the vertebral model and surgical tools, and to coherently visualize them in either the augmented reality or virtual fluoroscopic modalities. The obtained results encourage further research and clinical validation towards the use of the simulator as an effective tool for training in pedicle screws insertion in lumbar vertebrae.

scholarly journals Promising Applications of Additive-Manufactured (3D-printed) Electrochemical Sensors for Forensic Chemistry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sílvia Castro ◽  
Raquel Rocha ◽  
Afonso João ◽  
Eduardo Richter ◽  
Rodrigo Munoz
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Electrochemical Sensors ◽  
Forensic Chemistry ◽  
Recent Contribution ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
3D Printing Technology ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
3D Printed

Additive-manufacturing is one of the major pillars of the new industrial revolution and the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has been highlighted in this scenario. Among the many areas benefited by 3D-printing, the development of electrochemical sensors has appeared in evidence in the last years. One potential application of 3D-printed electrochemical sensors is devoted to forensic chemistry, which demands for portable analytical methods that can provide on-site measurements and thus bring a relevant information in loco. In this context, this review highlights the recent contribution of 3D-printing technology on the development of electrochemical sensors with great promises for on-site analysis in “real-world” forensic scenarios. From the detection of trace explosives, gunshot residues, illicit drugs and chemical threats, to the measurement of adulterants in food and fuels, we show the wide range of applications that 3D-printed electrochemical sensors have been proposed and future demands that can be addressed by such a powerful, affordable, and accessible tool.

scholarly journals Development of 3D Printed Symbrachydactyly Prosthetic Hand

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 5943-5947
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Minimum Cost ◽  
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Prosthetic Hand ◽  
Simple Task ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Electrical Component ◽  
Hand Geometry

Symbrachydactyly is a genetical problem occurred to newborn where the newborn experienced underdeveloped or shorten fingers. This condition will limit their normal as even a simple task of holding an item or pushing a button. A device is needed to help them gain a better life. The aim of this project is to fabricate a customized prosthesis hand using 3D printing technology at minimum cost. The proposed prosthetic was not embedded with any electrical component. The patient can only use the wrist to control the prosthetic part which is the prosthetic fingers. The prosthetic hand was also being developed with the patient specific features, which the initial design stage was adapted from a person’s hand geometry using a 3D scanner. Next the model of the prosthesis was analyzed computationally to predict the performance of the product. Different material properties are considered in the analysis to present Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) materials. Then, the prosthesis was fabricated using the 3D printing. The results suggested that PLA material indicated better findings and further be fabricated.

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