The Application of Digital Design Combined with 3D Printing Technology in Skin Flap Transplantation for Fingertip Defects during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective. We aimed to evaluate the advantages of preoperative digital design of skin flaps to repair fingertip defects during the COVID-19 pandemic. We combined digital design with a 3D-printed model of the affected finger for preoperative communication with fingertip defect patients under observation in a buffer ward. Methods. From December 2019 to January 2021, we obtained data from 25 cases of 30 fingertip defects in 15 males and 10 females, aged 20-65 years old (mean 35 ± 5 years). All cases were treated by digitally designing preoperative fingertip defect flaps combined with a 3D-printed model. Preoperative 3D Systems Sense scanning was routinely performed, 3-matic 12.0 was used to measure the fingertip defect area ranging from 1.5 cm × 3.5 cm to 2.0 cm × 5.0 cm , and the skin flap was designed. The flap area was 1.6 cm × 3.6 cm to 2.1 cm × 5.1 cm . CURA 15.02.1 was used to set parameters, and the 3D model of the affected finger was printed prior to the operation. Full-thickness skin grafts were taken from donor areas for repair. Results. No vascular crises occurred in any of the 25 cases, and all flaps survived. The postoperative follow-up occurred over 3-12 months. All patients were evaluated 3 months after operation according to the trial standard of hand function evaluation of the Chinese Hand Surgery Society. The results showed that 20 cases had excellent outcomes (80%), four cases had good outcomes (16%), and one case had a fair outcome (4%). The excellent and good rate was 96%. Conclusions. During the COVID-19 epidemic, fingertip defects were treated with preoperative digital design of fingertip defect flaps combined with 3D printing. Precision design saves surgery time and improves the success rate of surgery and the survival rates of skin flaps. In addition, 3D model simulations improve preoperative communication efficiency, and the personalized design improves patient satisfaction.

Download Full-text

Algorithm to Reduce Leading and Lagging in Conformal Direct-Print

Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.4040730 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 140 (10) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Morteza Vatani ◽

Faez Alkadi ◽

Jae-Won Choi

Keyword(s):

Additive Manufacturing ◽

3D Printing ◽

3D Model ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Motion Direction ◽

B Spline ◽

And Topology ◽

Printing System ◽

3D Printed ◽

Printed Patterns

A novel additive manufacturing algorithm was developed to increase the consistency of three-dimensional (3D) printed curvilinear or conformal patterns on freeform surfaces. The algorithm dynamically and locally compensates the nozzle location with respect to the pattern geometry, motion direction, and topology of the substrate to minimize lagging or leading during conformal printing. The printing algorithm was implemented in an existing 3D printing system that consists of an extrusion-based dispensing module and an XYZ-stage. A dispensing head is fixed on a Z-axis and moves vertically, while the substrate is installed on an XY-stage and moves in the x–y plane. The printing algorithm approximates the printed pattern using nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curves translated directly from a 3D model. Results showed that the proposed printing algorithm increases the consistency in the width of the printed patterns. It is envisioned that the proposed algorithm can facilitate nonplanar 3D printing using common and commercially available Cartesian-type 3D printing systems.

Download Full-text

3D Printable Resources for Engaging STEM Students in Laboratory Learning Activities and Outreach Programs: Inexpensive and User-Friendly Instrument Kits for Educators

MRS Advances ◽

10.1557/adv.2018.441 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (49) ◽

pp. 2937-2942 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lon A. Porter

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Mathematics Learning ◽

Digital Design ◽

Outreach Programs ◽

Stem Students ◽

3D Printed ◽

Design Software ◽

And Performance ◽

And Mathematics ◽

User Friendly

ABSTRACTContinued advances in digital design software and 3D printing methods enable innovative approaches in the development of new educational tools for laboratory-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning. The decreasing cost of 3D printing equipment and greater access provided by university fabrication centers afford unique opportunities for educators to transcend the limitations of conventional modes of student engagement with analytical instrumentation. This work shares successful efforts at Wabash College to integrate user-friendly and inexpensive 3D printed instruments kits into introductory STEM coursework. The laboratory kits and activities described provide new tools for engaging students in the exploration of instrument design and performance. These experiences provide effective ways to assist active-learners in discovering the technology and fundamental principles of analysis and deliberately confront the “black box” perception of instrumentation.

Download Full-text

3D printing for chest wall reconstructive surgery

Rapid Prototyping Journal ◽

10.1108/rpj-11-2018-0299 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (7) ◽

pp. 1217-1225

Author(s):

Ranjeet Agarwala ◽

Carlos J. Anciano ◽

Joshua Stevens ◽

Robert Allen Chin ◽

Preston Sparks

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Chest Wall ◽

Reconstructive Surgery ◽

3D Model ◽

Titanium Plate ◽

Specific Patient ◽

Content Type ◽

3D Printed ◽

Wall Construction

Purpose The purpose of the paper was to present a specific case study of how 3D printing was introduced in the chest wall construction process of a specific patient with unique medical condition. A life-size 3D model of the patient’s chest wall was 3D printed for pre-surgical planning. The intent was to eliminate the need for operative exposure to map the pathological area. The model was used for preoperative visualization and formation of a 1-mm thick titanium plate implant, which was placed in the patient during chest wall reconstructive surgery. The purpose of the surgery was to relive debilitating chronic pain due to right scapular entrapment. Design/methodology/approach The patient was born with a twisted spine. Over time, it progressed to severe and debilitating scoliosis, which required the use of a thoracic brace. Computerized tomography (CT) data were converted to a 3D printed model. The model was used to size and form a 1-mm thick titanium plate implant. It was also used to determine the ideal location for placement of the plate during thoracotomy preoperatively. Findings The surgery, aided by the model, was successful and resulted in a significantly smaller incision. The techniques reduced invasiveness and enabled the doctors to conduct the procedure efficiently and decreased surgery time. The patient experienced relief of the chronic debilitating pain and no longer need the thoracic brace. Originality/value The 3D model facilitated pre-operative planning and modeling of the implant. It also enabled accurate incision locations of the thoracotomy site and placement of the implant. Although chest wall reconstruction surgeries have been undertaken, this paper documents a specific case study of chest wall construction fora specific patient with unique pathological conditions.

Download Full-text

The Application of 3D Printing Technology in the Classification and Preoperative Planning of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures

10.21203/rs.3.rs-29941/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fuyang Chen ◽

Chenyu Huang ◽

Chen Ling ◽

Jinming Zhou ◽

Yufeng Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Tibial Plateau ◽

3D Model ◽

Preoperative Planning ◽

Tibial Plateau Fracture ◽

Tibial Plateau Fractures ◽

Printing Technology ◽

3D Printing Technology ◽

Plateau Fracture ◽

3D Printed

Abstract Background: Tibial plateau fracture is one of the common intra-articular fractures in clinic. And its accurate classification and treatment is a difficult problem for orthopedic surgeons. Our research aims to investigate the application value of 3D printing in the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.Methods: 28 cases of complex tibial plateau fractures diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January, 2017 to January, 2019.01 were analyzed. Preoperative spiral CT scan was performed and then DICOM data were input into the computer. We use Mimics to process data. And 3D printing technology was applied to print the 3D model of fracture (1:1). Combined with the 3D printed model, the tibial plateau fractures were subdivided into seven types according to the geometric plane of the tibial plateau. The surgical approach was determined on the 3D printed model. And then simulated operations such as accurate reduction of fracture and selection of plate placement were performed.Results: The reconstructed 3D model of tibial plateau fracture can accurately reflect the direction of fracture displacement and the degree of plateau collapse. Also, it and can help with the preoperative surgical design of tibial plateau fracture. The intraoperative fracture details were basically the same as the 3D printed model. And the fracture surface of the tibial plateau was well improved in all 28 cases.Conclusion: 3D printing technology can be used to guide the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.

Download Full-text

Rapid Prototyping Technology for Special Pressure Vessels

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.919.222 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 919 ◽

pp. 222-229

Author(s):

Jiří Šafka ◽

Filip Veselka ◽

Martin Lachman ◽

Michal Ackermann

Keyword(s):

Additive Manufacturing ◽

3D Printing ◽

3D Model ◽

Selective Laser Sintering ◽

Pressure Vessels ◽

Pressure Test ◽

Polypropylene Material ◽

3D Printed ◽

Manufacturing Technologies ◽

Made In

The article deals with the topic of 3D printing of pressure vessels and their testing. The main focus of the research was on a 3D model of the pressure vessel, which was originally designed for a student formula racing car project. The described virtual 3D model was designed with regard to 3D printing. The physical model was manufactured using several additive manufacturing technologies. The first technology was FDM using ULTEM 1010 material. The next technology was SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) using polyamide materials (PA3200GF and PA2220). The last technology was SLA (Stereolithography) using a polypropylene material (Durable). Experimental evaluation of the vessels was carried out by a pressure test, which verified the compactness of the 3D printed parts and their possible porosity. At the end of the article, a comparison of each printed model is made in terms of their final price and weight, together with pressure and thermal resistance.

Download Full-text

3D printing of representation surfaces from tensor data of KH2PO4 and low-quartz utilizing the WinTensor software

Zeitschrift für Kristallographie - Crystalline Materials ◽

10.1515/zkri-2014-1826 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 230 (11) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Werner Kaminsky ◽

Trevor Snyder ◽

Jennifer Stone-Sundberg ◽

Peter Moeck

Keyword(s):

Thermal Expansion ◽

3D Printing ◽

Elastic Constants ◽

3D Model ◽

Graphical Representation ◽

Optical Rotation ◽

Electro Optic ◽

3D Printed ◽

Tensor Data

AbstractTensorial properties such as thermal expansion, optical rotation, the electro-optic effect, elastic constants, and many more are prepared with a Windows executable, WinTensor, for rendering a graphical representation that can be viewed on a monitor or printed out for a tangible 3D model. Examples of 3D printed representation surfaces in KH

Download Full-text

A 3D printing Short Course: A Case Study for Applications in the Geoscience Teaching and Communication for Specialists and Non-experts

Frontiers in Earth Science ◽

10.3389/feart.2021.601530 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Sergey Ishutov ◽

Kevin Hodder ◽

Rick Chalaturnyk ◽

Gonzalo Zambrano-Narvaez

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Data Communication ◽

Course Evaluation ◽

Digital Design ◽

Digital Models ◽

3D Print ◽

Short Course ◽

3D Printed ◽

Geoscience Research

3D printing developed as a prototyping method in the early 1980s, yet it is considered as a 21st century technology for transforming digital models into tangible objects. 3D printing has recently become a critical tool in the geoscience research, education, and technical communication due to the expansion of the market for 3D printers and materials. 3D printing changes the perception of how we interact with our data and how we explain our science to non-experts, researchers, educators, and stakeholders. Hence, a one-day short course was designed and delivered to a group of professors, students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff to present the application of 3D printing in teaching and communication concepts in the geoscience. This case study was aimed at evaluating how a diverse group of participants with geoscience and engineering background and no prior experience with computer-aided modeling (CAD) or 3D printing could understand the principles of different 3D printing techniques and apply these methods in their respective disciplines. In addition, the course evaluation questionnaire allowed us to assess human perception of tangible and digital models and to demonstrate the effectiveness of 3D printing in data communication. The course involved five modules: 1) an introduction lecture on the 3D printing methods and materials; 2) an individual CAD modeling exercise; 3) a tour to 3D printing facilities with hands-on experience on model processing; 4) a tour to experimentation facilities where 3D-printed models were tested; and 5) group activities based on the examples of how to apply 3D printing in the current or future geoscience research and teaching. The participants had a unique opportunity to create a digital design at the beginning of the course using CAD software, analyze it and 3D print the final model at the end of the course. While this course helped the students understand how rendering algorithms could be used as a learning aid, educators gained experience in rapid preparation of visual aids for teaching, and researchers gained skills on the integration of the digital datasets with 3D-printed models to support societal and technical objectives.

Download Full-text

The Application of 3D Printing Technology in the Classification and Preoperative Planning of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures

10.21203/rs.3.rs-29941/v3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fuyang Chen ◽

Chenyu Huang ◽

chen ling ◽

Jinming Zhou ◽

Yufeng Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Tibial Plateau ◽

3D Model ◽

Preoperative Planning ◽

Tibial Plateau Fracture ◽

Tibial Plateau Fractures ◽

Printing Technology ◽

3D Printing Technology ◽

Plateau Fracture ◽

3D Printed

Abstract Background: Tibial plateau fracture is one of the common intra-articular fractures in clinic. And its accurate classification and treatment is a difficult problem for orthopedic surgeons. Our research aims to investigate the application value of 3D printing in the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.Methods: 28 cases of complex tibial plateau fractures diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January, 2017 to January, 2019.01 were analyzed. Preoperative spiral CT scan was performed and then DICOM data were input into the computer. We use Mimics to process data. And 3D printing technology was applied to print the 3D model of fracture (1:1). Combined with the 3D printed model, the tibial plateau fractures were subdivided into seven types according to the geometric plane of the tibial plateau. The surgical approach was determined on the 3D printed model. And then simulated operations such as accurate reduction of fracture and selection of plate placement were performed.Results: The reconstructed 3D model of tibial plateau fracture can accurately reflect the direction of fracture components displacement and the degree of plateau collapse. Also, it can help with the preoperative reconstructive plan for the tibial plateau fracture. The intraoperative fracture details were basically the same as the 3D printed model. And The fracture surface of the tibial plateau of all 28 patients was well improved in terms of restoring the anatomical structure.Conclusion: 3D printing technology can be used to guide the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.

Download Full-text

Affordable and Faster Transradial Prosthetic Socket Production Using Photogrammetry and 3D Printing

Electronics ◽

10.3390/electronics9091456 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 1456

Author(s):

Rifky Ismail ◽

Rilo Berdin Taqriban ◽

Mochammad Ariyanto ◽

Ali Tri Atmaja ◽

Sugiyanto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

3D Model ◽

Low Cost ◽

Digital Camera ◽

Processing Method ◽

3D Printer ◽

Casting Method ◽

Conventional Casting ◽

Prosthetic Socket ◽

3D Printed

This study aims to invent a new, low-cost, and faster method of prosthetic socket fabrication, especially in Indonesia. In this paper, the photogrammetry with the 3D printing method is introduced as the new applicative way for transradial prosthetic making. Photogrammetry is used to retrieve a 3D model of the amputated hand stump using a digital camera. A digital camera is used for photogrammetry technique and the resulting 3D model is printed using a circular 3D printer with Polylactic acid (PLA) material. The conventional casting socket fabrication method was also conducted in this study as a comparison. Both prosthetic sockets were analyzed for usability, and sectional area conformities to determine the size deviation using the image processing method. This study concludes that the manufacturing of transradial prosthetic sockets incorporating the photogrammetry technique reduces the total man-hour production. Based on the results, it can be implied that the photogrammetry technique is a more efficient and economical method compared to the conventional casting method. The 3D printed socket resulting from the photogrammetry method has a 5–19% area deviation to the casting socket but it is still preferable and adjustable for the transradial amputee when applied to the stump of the remaining hand.

Download Full-text

Effects of Natural and Recombinant Hirudin on VEGF Expression and Random Skin Flap Survival in a Venous Congested Rat Model

International Surgery ◽

10.9738/cc171.1 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 98 (1) ◽

pp. 82-87 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Guo Yingxin ◽

Yin Guoqian ◽

Li Jiaquan ◽

Xiao Han

Keyword(s):

Rat Model ◽

Messenger Rna ◽

Skin Flap ◽

Survival Rates ◽

Control Group ◽

Skin Flaps ◽

Vegf Expression ◽

Recombinant Hirudin ◽

Flap Survival ◽

Skin Flap Survival

Abstract We aim to investigate the effects of locally injected natural and recombinant hirudin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and flap survival in venous congested skin flaps using a rat model. A dorsal random skin flap (10 × 3 cm) was prepared on each of 30 Wistar rats to establish a venous congested model. The rats were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups [receiving subcutaneous injection of either natural hirudin (6 U) or recombinant hirudin (6 U)] and a control group, which received subcutaneous injection of physiologic saline. After treatment, skin flap survival rates were calculated. VEGF messenger RNA levels and VEGF-positive vessel density as a marker for VEGF levels were measured in the flaps during and after treatment. The skin flap VEGF messenger RNA levels increased in the natural hirudin-treated group. The VEGF-positive vessel density was increased in all 3 groups. Statistically significant increases of VEGF levels were observed in the natural and recombinant hirudin-treated groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The skin flap survival rates were improved in both hirudin treated groups. Natural and recombinant hirudin can increase VEGF expression in random skin flaps, which can potentially improve random skin flap survival in rats through angio genic mechanisms. Our results showed that hirudin treatment led to an increase in VEGF expression in the congested skin flaps. Natural hirudin demonstrated more pronounced effects than recombinant hirudin. Further studies are needed to understand the specific mechanisms.

Download Full-text