Application of low-cost 3D printing for production of CT-based individual surgery supplies

Abstract

The main problem addressed in this paper is the use and evaluation of low-cost additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques and CT images as tools for manufacture of usable and individualized, anatomically correct models, assisting surgeons in their daily work. The authors formulate own methodology of design and additive manufacturing of medical products on the basis of medical imaging data. A specific case was selected—a surgical lower jaw template for use in the middle of operation. Two Fused Deposition Modeling machines—professional and low-cost—were used to manufacture the same product, which was later evaluated, inspected for accuracy (by 3D scanning) and used during the surgery. By two 3D printing processes comparison it was found that the low cost comes at a price of lower accuracy and increased demand for process supervision. The authors obtained a fully usable medical product used during an actual reconstruction surgery. Partial clinical results are presented—use of 3D printed templates helped reduce surgery time and generally improved the patient recovery process.