3 research outputs found
A design tool for use in simulation and training of sinus surgery
The traditional approaches to training surgeons are becoming increasingly difficult to
apply to modern surgical procedures. The development of Minimally Invasive
Surgery (MIS) techniques demands new and complex psychomotor skills, and means
that the apprentice-based system described by “see one, do one, teach one” can no
longer be expected to fully prepare surgeons for operations on real patients, placing
patient safety at risk. The use of cadavers and animals in surgical training raises issues
of ethics, cost and anatomical similarity to live humans. Endoscopic sinus surgery
involves further risk to the patient due to the proximity of vital structures such as the
brain, eyes, optic nerve and internal carotid artery. In recent years, simulation has
been used to overcome these problems, exposing surgeons to complex procedures in a
safe environment, similarly to its use in aviation. However, the cases simulated in this
manner may not be customised by training staff to present desired pathology.
This thesis describes the design and development of a new tool for the creation of
customised cases for the training of sinus surgery. Users who are inexperienced and
non-skilled in the use of three-dimensional (3D) Computer Aided Design (CAD)
modelling software may use the tool to implement pathology to the virtual sinus
model, which was constructed from real CT data. Swelling is applied in five
directions (four horizontal, one vertical) to the cavity lining of the frontal and
sphenoid sinuses. Tumours are individually customised and positioned in the frontal,
sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. The customised CAD model may then be latterly
manufactured using Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) to produce the complex
anatomy of the sinuses in a full colour physical part for the realistic simulation of
surgical procedures. An investigation into the colouring of the physical model is also
described, involving the study of endoscopic videos to ascertain realistic shades.
The program was evaluated by a group of medical professionals from a range of
fields, and their feedback was taken into account in subsequent redevelopment of the
program, and to suggest further work
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A POTENZIATED PIEZOSURGERGICAL DEVICE AT THE RABBIT SKULL
The number of available ultrasonic osteotomes has remarkably increased. In vitro and in vivo studies
have revealed differences between conventional osteotomes, such as rotating or sawing devices, and
ultrasound-supported osteotomes (Piezosurgery®) regarding the micromorphology and roughness
values of osteotomized bone surfaces.
Objective: the present study compares the micro-morphologies and roughness values of
osteotomized bone surfaces after the application of rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery
Medical® and Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece.
Methods: Fresh, standard-sized bony samples were taken from a rabbit skull using the following
osteotomes: rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and a Piezosurgery Medical New
Generation Powerful Handpiece. The required duration of time for each osteotomy was recorded.
Micromorphologies and roughness values to characterize the bone surfaces following the different
osteotomy methods were described. The prepared surfaces were examined via light microscopy,
environmental surface electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal
laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy. The selective cutting of mineralized
tissues while preserving adjacent soft tissue (dura mater and nervous tissue) was studied. Bone
necrosis of the osteotomy sites and the vitality of the osteocytes near the sectional plane were
investigated, as well as the proportion of apoptosis or cell degeneration.
Results and Conclusions: The potential positive effects on bone healing and reossification
associated with different devices were evaluated and the comparative analysis among the different
devices used was performed, in order to determine the best osteotomes to be employed during
cranio-facial surgery
Advanced Applications of Rapid Prototyping Technology in Modern Engineering
Rapid prototyping (RP) technology has been widely known and appreciated due to its flexible and customized manufacturing capabilities. The widely studied RP techniques include stereolithography apparatus (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), three-dimensional printing (3DP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), 3D plotting, solid ground curing (SGC), multiphase jet solidification (MJS), laminated object manufacturing (LOM). Different techniques are associated with different materials and/or processing principles and thus are devoted to specific applications. RP technology has no longer been only for prototype building rather has been extended for real industrial manufacturing solutions. Today, the RP technology has contributed to almost all engineering areas that include mechanical, materials, industrial, aerospace, electrical and most recently biomedical engineering. This book aims to present the advanced development of RP technologies in various engineering areas as the solutions to the real world engineering problems