3D printing for chest wall reconstructive surgery

Abstract

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.

Collaborative Virtual Reality Real-Time 3D Image Editing for Chest Wall Resections and Reconstruction Planning

“…We identified several advantages of the VR setup compared with static simulation with conventional preoperative imaging review on 2D interfaces (e.g., conventional computer monitors) and even to 3D reconstruction and 3D printing, as described elsewhere. 3,4…”

“…We identified several advantages of the VR setup compared with static simulation with conventional preoperative imaging review on 2D interfaces (e.g., conventional computer monitors) and even to 3D reconstruction and 3D printing, as described elsewhere. 3,4 Familiarization with the system is quick even for VR-naive clinicians but scales with the level of prior experience with VR. Pure viewing without interaction in VR requires no preparation or training and can be performed immediately.…”

“…Explicitly, in cases of chest wall–related resections, 3D visualization and 3D printing have shown acceptance in planning the extent of resections and reconstructions. 3 –6 Unfortunately, 3D printing produces static models, which are not easy to manipulate. The same applies for 3D visualization on 2-dimensional (2D) interfaces such as common video display units of popularly used computing devices.…”

Development of novel customized pressure distribution surface for reduction of pressure ulcers using additive manufacturing technology

“…Capability of AM has boomed in several industries, such as aircraft, automobile, construction, education, defence and health care (Ngo et al , 2018; Rivera et al , 2020; Zhaohui and Bopaya, 2021). Especially in health-care sector, AM provides significant solutions to many unsolved medical cases such as tissue engineering, pre-/post-operative planning, customized implants, medical education/training, personalization for prostheses, orthoses, splints, surgical tools and medical instruments(Agarwala et al , 2020; Aimar et al , 2019; Arjunan et al , 2021; Ngo et al , 2018; Rivera et al , 2020; Vance et al , 2019).…”

Overcoming the post-processing barriers for 3D-printed medical models

“…3D printing has some novel medical applications, such as chest wall reconstructive surgery, Ti64 anatomical structure for tibia implant, 3D-printed auxetic nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 sample collection and anti-SARS-CoV-2 copper–tungsten–silver alloy. Agarwala et al (2020) discussed how a 3D model of the chest wall reconstruction surgery helped pre-operative implant planning and modelling. A special case study of chest wall construction for a patient with unique pathological characteristics has been undertaken.…”