scholarly journals Construction of three-dimensional printed anatomic models for frontal sinus education

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-84
Author(s):  
Christopher M Low ◽  
Garret Choby ◽  
Megan Viozzi ◽  
Jonathan M Morris

Background The anatomy of the frontal sinus can pose a challenge for many neuroradiolgists and otolaryngologists, especially trainees. While much of resident education occurs in didactics, self-study or in the operating room, studies suggest that some trainees prefer hands-on learning. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology provides users the opportunity to make customizable low-cost objects that provide tactile learning—a learning modality that may be preferable in education. Methods Three-dimensional printed models of frontal sinus anatomy based on selected patient computed tomography scans that represent various air cells according to the International Frontal Sinus Classification (IFAC) as different colored solid structures were printed using binder jetting. Results Seven unique de-identified patient scans were selected as the basis for the models so that all frontal cell types described in the IFAC scheme are represented between all 3D printed models. Conclusion This paper describes the technology and process necessary to create these models.

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 1583-1592
Author(s):  
Lluís Casas

Unit cell and periodicity are key concepts in crystallography and classically were thought to be inherent properties of ordered media like crystals. Aperiodic crystals (including quasicrystals) forced a change of paradigm, affecting the actual definition of a crystal. However, aperiodicity is usually not taught in crystallography undergraduate courses. The emergence of low-cost 3D-printing technologies makes it possible to tackle hands-on learning of the commonly taught crystallography concepts related to periodicity and to introduce in an uncomplicated manner aperiodic crystals and their related concepts that usually are skipped. In this paper, several examples of the use of 3D printing are shown, including 2D and 3D examples of periodic and aperiodic ordered media; these are particularly useful to understand both conventional periodic crystals and quasicrystals. The STL files of the presented models are made available with the paper.


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 4740
Author(s):  
Sergio Terranova ◽  
Filippo Costa ◽  
Giuliano Manara ◽  
Simone Genovesi

A new class of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags, namely the three-dimensional (3D)-printed chipless RFID one, is proposed, and their performance is assessed. These tags can be realized by low-cost materials, inexpensive manufacturing processes and can be mounted on metallic surfaces. The tag consists of a solid dielectric cylinder, which externally appears as homogeneous. However, the information is hidden in the inner structure of the object, where voids are created to encrypt information in the object. The proposed chipless tag represents a promising solution for anti-counterfeiting or security applications, since it avoids an unwanted eavesdropping during the reading process or information retrieval from a visual inspection that may affect other chipless systems. The adopted data-encoding algorithm does not rely on On–Off or amplitude schemes that are commonly adopted in the chipless RFID implementations but it is based on the maximization of available states or the maximization of non-overlapping regions of uncertainty. The performance of such class of chipless RFID tags are finally assessed by measurements on real prototypes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás A. Georgiou ◽  
Davide Asnaghi ◽  
Alva Liang ◽  
Alice M. Agogino

This paper describes the development and testing of a low-cost three-dimensional (3D) printed wearable hand exoskeleton to assist people with limited finger mobility and grip strength. The function of the presented orthosis is to support and enable light intensity activities of daily living and improve the ability to grasp and hold objects. The Sparthan Exoskeleton prototype utilizes a cable-driven design applied to individual digits with motors. The initial prototype is presented in this paper along with a preliminary evaluation of durability and performance efficacy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rommel S. Araujo ◽  
Camille R. Silva ◽  
Severino P. N. Netto ◽  
Edgard Morya ◽  
Fabricio L. Brasil

Stroke survivors can be affected by motor deficits in the hand. Robotic equipment associated with brain–machine interfaces (BMI) may aid the motor rehabilitation of these patients. BMIs involving orthotic control by motor imagery practices have been successful in restoring stroke patients' movements. However, there is still little acceptance of the robotic devices available, either by patients and clinicians, mainly because of the high costs involved. Motivated by this context, this work aims to design and construct the Hand Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation Objectives (HERO) to recover extension and flexion movements of the fingers. A three-dimensional (3D) printing technique in association with textiles was used to produce a lightweight and wearable device. 3D-printed actuators have also been designed to reduce equipment costs. The actuator transforms the torque of DC motors into linear force transmitted by Bowden cables to move the fingers passively. The exoskeleton was controlled by neuroelectric signal—electroencephalography (EEG). Concept tests were performed to evaluate control performance. A healthy volunteer was submitted to a training session with the exoskeleton, according to the Graz-BCI protocol. Ergonomy was evaluated with a two-dimensional (2D) tracking software and correlation analysis. HERO can be compared to ordinary clothing. The weight over the hand was around 102 g. The participant was able to control the exoskeleton with a classification accuracy of 91.5%. HERO project resulted in a lightweight, simple, portable, ergonomic, and low-cost device. Its use is not restricted to a clinical setting. Thus, users will be able to execute motor training with the HERO at hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and at home, increasing the rehabilitation intervention time. This may support motor rehabilitation and improve stroke survivors life quality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 07-13
Author(s):  
Neha Thakur ◽  
Hari Murthy

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is a digitally-controlled additive manufacturing technique used for fast prototyping. This paper reviews various 3D printing techniques like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling, (FDM), Semi-solid extrusion (SSE), Stereolithography (SLA), Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Printing, and Binder jetting 3D Printing along with their application in the field of medicine. Normal medicines are based on the principle of “one-size-fits-all”. This is not true always, it is possible medicine used for curing one patient is giving some side effects to another. To overcome this drawback “3D Printed medicines” are developed. In this paper, 3D printed medicines forming different Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) are reviewed. Printed medicines are capable of only curing the diseases, not for the diagnosis. Nanomedicines have “theranostic” ability which combines therapeutic and diagnostic. Nanoparticles are used as the drug delivery system (DDS) to damaged cells’ specific locations. By the use of nanomedicine, the fast recovery of the disease is possible. The plant-based nanoparticles are used with herbal medicines which give low-cost and less toxic medication called nanobiomedicine. 4D and 5D printing technology for the medical field are also enlightened in this paper.


2020 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2020-000663
Author(s):  
Patrick Gallagher ◽  
Ryan Smith ◽  
Gillian Sheppard

BackgroundThere is a significant learning curve when teaching ultrasonography to medical trainees; task trainers can help learners to bridge this gap and develop their skills. Three-dimensional printing technology has the potential to be a great tool in the development of such simulators. ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to identify what 3D-printed models have been used in ultrasound education to date, how they were created and the pros and limitations involved.DesignResearchers searched three online databases to identify 3D-printed ultrasound models used in medical education.ResultsTwelve suitable publications were identified for inclusion in this review. The models from included articles simulated largely low frequency and/or high stakes events, with many models simulating needle guidance procedures. Most models were created by using patient imaging data and a computer-aided design software to print structures directly or print casting molds. The benefits of 3D-printed educational trainers are their low cost, reproducibility, patient specificity and accuracy. The current limitations of this technology are upfront investments and a lack of optimisation of materials.ConclusionsThe use of 3D-printed ultrasound task trainers is in its infancy, and more research is needed to determine whether or not this technology will benefit medical learners in the future.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josh Lewis ◽  
Benjamin Estrada ◽  
Paul Pena ◽  
Martin Garcia ◽  
Ayse Tekes

Abstract Undergraduate mechanical engineering students struggle in comprehending the fundamentals presented in an introductory level mechanical vibrations course which eventually affects their performance in the posterior courses such as control theory. One salient factor to this is missing the visualization of the concept with hands-on learning since the vibrations and control laboratory course is offered in the following semester. This study presents the design, development of three portable and 3D-printed compliant vibratory mechanisms actuated by a linear motor and their implementation in vibrations course and vibrations and control laboratory. The proposed setups consist of flexible and compliant springs, sliders, and base support. Mechanisms are utilized to demonstrate free and forced vibrations, resonation, and design of a passive isolator. In addition to the 3D-printed, portable lab equipment, we created the Matlab Simscape GUI program of each setup so instructors can demonstrate the fundamentals in the classroom, assign homework, project, in-class activity or design laboratory.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristoph-Dietrich Kinzli ◽  
Tanya Kunberger ◽  
Robert O’Neill ◽  
Ashraf Badir

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohong Wang

Three-dimensional (3D) organ bioprinting is an attractive scientific area with huge commercial profit, which could solve all the serious bottleneck problems for allograft transplantation, high-throughput drug screening, and pathological analysis. Integrating multiple heterogeneous adult cell types and/or stem cells along with other biomaterials (e.g., polymers, bioactive agents, or biomolecules) to make 3D constructs functional is one of the core issues for 3D bioprinting of bioartificial organs. Both natural and synthetic polymers play essential and ubiquitous roles for hierarchical vascular and neural network formation in 3D printed constructs based on their specific physical, chemical, biological, and physiological properties. In this article, several advanced polymers with excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, 3D printability, and structural stability are reviewed. The challenges and perspectives of polymers for rapid manufacturing of complex organs, such as the liver, heart, kidney, lung, breast, and brain, are outlined.


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