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

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate custom 3D printed laparoscopic cannulas (3DPC) in a feline cadaveric abdominal surgery model and report their use in two live feline subjects.Study designExperimental cadaver study, live subject case series.AnimalsTen feline cadavers; two feline subjects.MethodsCustom 3DPCs were initially modeled in a PLA filament material and then created in an autoclavable dental resin for use in live patients. The surgery time, number of surgical collisions and cannula complications were recorded during cadaver procedures before and after use of 3DPCs. Cannula complications were recorded during live procedures and patients were followed to suture removal to record any incisional complications.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in mean surgical time (125.6 vs. 95.2 min, p = 0.03), mean number of instrument collisions (6.8 vs. 2.6, p = 0.03), and mean number of cannula complications (10 vs. 2.2, p = 0.03) with the use of only 3DPCs during the procedure. During the live procedures the use of the 3DPCs was successful and no postoperative complications occurred at the incision sites.ConclusionThe use of customized 3DPCs may improve surgical dexterity and decrease complications in advanced procedures and was not associated with any clinical complications in two cats. The use of 3DPCs in veterinary medicine may allow for wider practice of laparoscopic techniques in small animals.

Recasting the gold standard – part I of II: delineating healthcare options across a continuum of care

“…[4][5][6] Ultrasonography 7-12 dental radiography, [13][14][15][16] echocardiography, [17][18][19][20] fluoroscopy, [21][22][23][24] CT [25][26][27] and MRI 25,28,29 are becoming routine offerings by general practices and/or referral facilities, and three-dimensional printing can now be applied at tertiary institutions as a means of preoperative planning. 30,31 Advances in veterinary healthcare delivery also stem from an internal desire to deepen content area expertise through specialization. A total of 22 veterinary specialty organizations are currently recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), comprising 46 distinct specialties, 32 and there is growing interest within the profession to explore the impact of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine on patient outcomes.…”

“… 4 – 6 Ultrasonography 7 – 12 dental radiography, 13 – 16 echocardiography, 17 – 20 fluoroscopy, 21 – 24 CT 25 – 27 and MRI 25 , 28 , 29 are becoming routine offerings by general practices and/or referral facilities, and three-dimensional printing can now be applied at tertiary institutions as a means of preoperative planning. 30 , 31 …”