The applications of stereolithography in facial reconstructive surgery

The development of rapid prototyping has evolved from the crude milled models to the laser polymerised stereolithographic models of excellent accuracy. The technology was advanced further with the recent introduction of fused deposition modelling and the 3-dimensional ink-jet printing technique in stereo-model fabrication. The concept of using a 3-dimensional model in planning the operation has amazed the maxillofacial surgeons since its first application in grafting a skull defect in 1995. It was followed by many bright ideas of applications in the field of facial reconstructive surgery. The stereo-model may assist in the diagnosis of facial fractures, joint ankylosis and even impacted teeth. The surgery can be simulated prior to the operation of complex craniofacial syndromes, facial asymmetry and distraction osteogenesis. The stereo-model can be used for preparation of reconstructive plate or joint prosthesis. It has an enormous value as an educational teaching and patient information tool for obtaining the consent for surgery. The aims of the paper are to present the modern manufacturing methods of the stereo-model and to illustrate the clinical applications of the stereomodel in facial reconstruction.published_or_final_versio

Three-Dimensional Printing: A Novel Technology for Use in Oral and Maxillofacial Operations

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is cited as “a novel, fascinating, future builder technology” in many papers and articles. Use of this technology in the field of medicine and especially oral and maxillofacial surgery is expanding. The type of manufacturing systems, materials, cost-effectiveness, and also bio-printing, with studies from around the world today, make this field a “hot-topic” in reconstructive and regenerative surgery. This chapter evaluates the latest updates and scientific uses of 3D printing

Contribution of 3D printing technology for craniofacial surgery

This article summarizes technical aspects of preparing printable 3D anatomical models created from radiological data (CT, MRI) and discusses their usefulness in surgery of the human skull. Interdisciplinary approach to the capabilities of the 3D printers, and the materials used for manufacturing 3D objects oriented on replicating anatomical structures has created new possibilities for simulating and planning surgical procedures in clinical practice settings

Stereolithographic biomodelling to create tangible hard copies of the ethmoidal labyrinth air cells based on the visible human project

Rapid prototyping (RP), or stereolithography, is a new clinical application area, which is used to obtain accurate three-dimensional physical replicas of complex anatomical structures. The aim of this study was to create tangible hard copies of the ethmoidal labyrinth air cells (ELACs) with stereolithographic biomodelling. The visible human dataset (VHD) was used as the input imaging data. The Surfdriver software package was applied to these images to reconstruct the ELACs as three-dimensional DXF (data exchange file) models. These models were post-processed in 3D-Doctor software for virtual reality modelling language (VRML) and STL (Standard Triangulation Language) formats. Stereolithographic replicas were manufactured in a rapid prototyping machine by using the STL format. The total number of ELACs was 21. The dimensions of the ELACs on the right and left sides were 52.91 x 13.00 x 28.68 mm and 53.79 x 12.42 x 28.55 mm, respectively. The total volume of the ELACs was 4771.1003 mm3. The mean ELAC distance was 27.29 mm from the nasion and 71.09 mm from the calotte topologically. In conclusion, the combination of Surfdriver and 3D-Doctor could be effectively used for manufacturing 3D solid models from serial sections of anatomical structures. Stereolithographic anatomical models provide an innovative and complementary tool for students, researchers, and surgeons to apprehend these anatomical structures tangibly. The outcomes of these attempts can provide benefits in terms of the visualization, perception, and interpretation of the structures in anatomy teaching and prior to surgical interventions. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 1: 33-40

Application of 3-D Printing for Tissue Regeneration in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: What is Upcoming?

The ultimate goal of any surgical procedure is to improve perioperative form and function and to minimize operative and postoperative morbidity. In recent years, many exciting and novel technological advances have been introduced in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. One example of such technology that is continuing to increase in prevalence is the use of 3-dimensional (3-D) printing techniques with special properties, which seems hopeful for practitioners in the field of regenerative medicine. Tissue engineering is a critical and important area in biomedical engineering for creating biological alternatives for grafts, implants, and prostheses. One of the main triad bases for tissue engineering is scaffolds, which play a great role for determining growth directions of stem cells in a 3-dimensional aspect. Mechanical strength of these scaffolds is critical as well as interconnected channels and controlled porosity or pores distribution. However, existing 3-D scaffolds proved less than ideal for actual clinical applications. In this chapter, we review the application and advancement of rapid prototyping (RP) techniques in the design and creation of synthetic scaffolds for use in tissue engineering. Also, we survey through new and novel merging era of “bioprinting.

Manufacturing of custom-made medical implants for cranio / maxillofacial and orthopaedic surgery - an overview of the current state of the industry

Published ArticleExtensive work has been done in the area of manufacturing implants for medical purposes, and more recently the development of customised implants. Areas of application include cranio/maxillo-facial implants, dental drill guides, hip, knee and shoulder replacements, as well as different implants for the spine. Due to their high prevalence and complex anatomical geometry the purpose of this study is to investigate the current state of the industry regarding customised medical implants for cranio/maxillofacial and orthopaedic surgery. Implant customisation has far-reaching benefits, and a collective approach to solving current difficulties will require an in-depth study of successes already achieved. Several issues in this regard are examined, including what defines customisation, regulatory issues that govern customisation and design constraints, trends in different areas of application, suitable materials, and finally which manufacturing techniques are being employed, with a focus on the use of Layer Manufacturing technologies and their role in custom-made medical implants

Three Dimensional Printing: Modern Medical Applications

3-D printing is an additive printing process based on inkjet printing principles. Using this technology, a variety of materials can be used to create a three-dimensional product. Currently this technology is expensive, however it is slowly becoming more affordable. 3-D printing has the potential to change the future of medical model production and prototyping, due to the beneficial products it can produce. The objective of this research study is to discover the technological advancements in 3-D printing that could greatly affect several aspects of the medical industry. The areas discussed include high-risk surgery, dentistry, and prosthetics. After conducting six interviews with medical professionals, it was discovered that 3-D printing is a viable technological source that all professionals are eager to use and implement into their medical line of work. 3-D printing is a revolutionary technology that has the possibility to positively affect the work of medical professionals, while enhancing the lives of others