Applications of 3‐dimensional printing in small‐animal surgery: A review of current practices

Abstract

printing, also called rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing, transforms digital images into 3D printed objects, typically by layering consecutive thin films of material. This technology has become increasingly accessible to the public, prompting applications in veterinary surgery. Three-dimensional prints provide direct visualization of complex 3D structures and also haptic feedback relevant to surgery. The main objective of this review is to report current applications of 3D printing in small-animal surgery, including surgical education, preoperative planning, and treatment of tissue defects. The reported uses of 3D prints, their proposed advantages, and current limitations are discussed considering published evidence. Aspects of the manufacturing process specific to each application are described, along with current practices in veterinary surgery.

Case report: Application of three-dimensional technologies for surgical treatment of portosystemic shunt with segmental caudal vena cava aplasia in two dogs

“…Although their application is limited to small animal orthopedics in veterinary medicine, the proposed benefits of 3D printing for surgical planning of complex cardiovascular diseases in humans may be related to the management of small animals with vascular malformations, such as intrahepatic portal-systemic shunts (17). 3D printing was used to visualize abnormal coronary arteries in six dogs with pulmonary stenosis and in surgical planning to correct concurrent patent ductus arteriosus, aberrant left subclavian artery, and right aortic arch in one dog (31,32).…”

“…They provide more precise views of anatomical structures that are convenient for accurate surgical planning (11-13). The use of 3D technology is also increasing in the field of vascular surgery in human and veterinary medicine (14)(15)(16)(17).…”

Case Report: Clinical Use of a Patient-Individual Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Stereotactic Navigation Device for Brain Biopsies in Three Dogs

“…The technique of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is used to generate physical patientindividual models from digital files by applying a special material layer for layer (1). In veterinary neurosurgery, 3D printing is used to produce patient-individual anatomical models for surgical planning and education, to design specific neurosurgical devices for diagnostic and treatment purposes of the spine, like patient-specific drill guides for screw placement, and to develop implants for cranioplasty or vertebral fixation (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). In addition, 3D printing has been used for brain biopsy procedures in dogs (15)(16)(17)(18).…”

3D printed cannulas for use in laparoscopic surgery in feline patients: A cadaveric study and case series

“…The requirement to find creative methods to address unique equipment needs in veterinary medicine are long‐standing, however, 3D printing has more recently become a new tool in our armamentarium 17–20 . In human medicine, 3D printing has been extensively used in cardiology and dentistry, as well as other specialties 21–26 .…”