3D Printing Based on Imaging Data: Medical ApplicationsMichael Twardowski

6 Nov 2013

Michael Twardowski

6 Nov 2013

3D Printing

Uses 3D CAD data to produce physical models

Also known as rapid prototyping, solid free form, computer automated or layered manufacturing

In medical use standard DICOM-based data from CAT and MRI scans is converted to Standard Triangular Language (STL) format.

Rapid Prototyping

Additive fabrication

Production time based on complexity

Types:Stereolithography (SLA)

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)

Inkjet Printing techniques

Two-Photon polymerization (2PP)

Typical Materials Used

Bio-ceramics – hydroxyapatite

Biodegradable polymer polycaprolactone

Metals like titanium

Medical Applications

Individual patient care:Tool to improve patient understanding

Facilitate diagnostic quality

Pre-surgical planningSimulate complex steps in advance

Can reduce operating time

Exceptional useful for planning maxillofacial surgeries

Radiotherapy planning

Maxillofacial Repair

Medical Applications

Implant and tissue designingCustomized prostheses

Bone implants for patients outside of normal ranges

Could improve surgical outcomes by individual fittings

Repair of skull defects

Skull after a Craniectomy

Medical Applications

ResearchComplex morphologies may be better depicted on 3D solid models in hand rather than on 2D or 3D visualizations.

Medical Education and TrainingConventional training on cadavers

Possibility to simulate in vivo conditions and real tissues

Train to variations of physiology

Disadvantages

Commercially available implants are suitable for most patients

Models are often fragile

Limited by printer dimensions

Model detail depending on imaging slice thickness

iLab // Haiti

The Issue:Inefficient and corrupt import system greatly increases the price of many goods.

Importing umbilical cord clamps is to costly.

A solution:Using rapid prototyping to produce umbilical cord clamps.

Sterilize used clamps and recover plastic filament using a reclaiming system. (e.g. Filabot™ Reclaimer).

In the future:Develop ways to recycle other plastics into plastic filament to use in rapid prototyping.

Umbilical Cord Clamp

References

http://www.ajronline.org/doi/full/10.2214/AJR.10.5681

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11548-010-0476-x

http://www.medgadget.com/2013/02/cornell-bioengineers-3d-print-living-replacement-ears.html

http://makezine.com/2013/10/18/3d-printing-umbilical-cord-clamps-in-haiti/

http://www.filabot.com/collections/filabot-core/products/filabot-reclaimer

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3207384/