The Design, Fabrication and Animal Testing of Patient Specific Porous Polyurethane Auricular Implant with Optimal Material Properties for Treatment of Microtia

Porous non-biodegradable polyethylene implants for treatment microtia have suboptimal material properties. Additive manufacturing opens unique opportunities for rational design and fabrication of patient specific biocompatible auricular implant with optimal material properties maintainable after implantation. The patient specific porous polyurethane auricular implant have been designed using laser scanner, finite element analysis, CAD software and fabricated using fused deposition modeling. The material properties of human cadaveric auricular cartilage and fabricated implants have been tested using three points flexure method. The biocompatibility and maintainability of fabricated auricular implant size and geometry have been texted in nude rats. The patient specific porous polyurethane auricular implants have been fabricated using fused deposition modeling. The optimal material properties comparable with native cadaveric human auricular cartilage have been achieved using rational design approach based on finite element analysis. The original shape and geometry of implant have been maintained up to 3 months after implantation with optimal level of biocompatibility. The patient-specific biocompatible porous polyurethane auricular implant with optimal material properties sustainable after implantation could be fabricated using fused deposition modeling. The hydrid approach with simultaneous deposition of hydrogel filaments containing chondrocytes between polyurethane filaments will enable bioprinting of patient specific hybrid tissue engineered auricular implant with optimal and maintainable material properties

Rapid prototyping and inclined plane technique in the treatment of maxillofacial malformations in a fox

An approximately 9-month-old fox (Pseudalopex vetulus) was presented with malocclusion and deviation of the lower jaw to the right side. Orthodontic treatment was performed using the inclined plane technique. Virtual 3D models and prototypes of the head were based on computed tomography (CT) image data to assist in diagnosis and treatment

Rapid Prototyping applied to surgical planning for correcting craniofacial malformations in wild animals. A case study of a brazilian fox

Veterinary surgery for treatment of wild animals is becoming an increasingly demanding task because it involves animals of different anatomy, many of them are already stressed and treatment must be performed to the highest standard in the minimum period of time. Craniofacial alterations may occur for three main reasons: genetic, functional or a combination of both. It is possible to modify the functional cause using intraoral devices like inclined plane. The treatment planning can be made based on virtual 3D models and rapid prototyping. An approximately 9 months old, 3.7 kg male Brazilian fox (Lycalopex vetulus) was referred to the Veterinary Hospital. Physical examination showed malocclusion with a deviation of the mandible to the right side. The virtual 3D model of the head was generated based on CT image data. The 3D models and rapid prototyping opened up new possibilities for the surgical planning and treatment of wild animals