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.
This paper focuses on several initiatives that have been implemented at an academic library to improve accessibility to 3D printing for its campus community. This project, and its engineering and technology educational components, have evolved from a direct collaboration between the College of Engineering and Technology and the main campus library. Resources have been published for educating, training, and automating in order to increase access to the University's 3D printing resources. 3D printing workshops have also been offered to students, faculty and staff to improve their understanding of 3D printing technology. While the time devoted to training varies, all training is lab-based and hands-on. Workshop participants have come from a diverse array of disciplines within the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and the social sciences. Faculty members from different colleges, departments, and disciplines have brought their classes to the library so their students can explore 3D printing technology. In less than a year, this initiative has grown and become a full-fledged campus wide endeavor with more growth expected. This paper reports on the model and methods that have been adopted to foster the success of this initiative.
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