Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Education and Training, Computer applications, Head and neck, Radiographers, CAD, Cone beam CT, CT, Computer Applications-3D, Computer Applications-Virtual imaging, Education, Education and training, Image registration, Transplantation, Prospective, Cross-sectional study, Performed at one institution
Authors:
G. Guevara Rojas1, M. Ali1, G. Schwarzmüller-Erber2, C. Schneckenleitner1, G. Unterhumer3; 1Vienna/AT, 2Wien/AT, 3Wien, Austria/AT
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2020/C-14202
Background
3D printing applications in medicine are steadily increasing. One major application of 3D printing technology is the production of replicas of patient’s anatomy. The production of these models is based mainly on cross-sectional images of CT, CBCT or MRI Scans. These accurate models are produced by means of Rapid Prototyping technologies such as 3D printers. Due to the high depiction accuracy of these models, they have been used for operation planning and simulation of complex maxillofacial surgeries. Through this application it is possible e.g. prior surgery to bend osteosynthesis plates according to the planned operation outcomes, preparing plates before surgery helps saving time during operation and improve surgery results. Further important applications are the production of patient specific implants. There are reports about patient specific implants (PSI) for calvarial defects (1) and zygomatic area (2). Furthermore, 3D printing models can also be used for didactic purposes and patient education. Additional areas for 3D printing in medicine are neurosurgery, orthopedics and dental implantology. Anatomical data for the mentioned applications come primarily from radiological modalities; therefore, 3D printing technology is getting into the focus of radiography. Furthermore, several hospitals are receiving the required infrastructure for the manufacturing of patient’s models. Therefore, it might be necessary that radiographers have a comprehensive knowledge about the production workflow of 3D printing technology in medicine (Figure 1). To fulfill these needs a new course was introduced in our university curriculum: “Computer Assisted Surgery and Rapid Prototyping for Radiographers. Implementation of a new lecture”(3). After the implementation and evaluation of the lecture, it could be observed based on the questionnaire results that additional hands-on practical training on 3D printer might be necessary to improve the understanding of 3D printing process mainly in the area of Rapid Prototyping technologies.