DIGITAL MANUFACTURING
3D printing for surgical planning and patient education The healthcare sector is a field in which innovation and new technologies have a direct impact on improving processes , operation results and saving lives . Ben-Zvi sees that there are many ways in which 3D printing is being used in this space , notably for :
• The production of highly-accurate patient-specific anatomic models and surgical guides
• For preoperative surgical planning
• Diagnostic use
• Accurate guide and placement of tools .
“ A multi-colour , multi-material 3D print of a patient ’ s kidney can be produced to scale , showing the exact placement of a tumour and allowing for the design of anatomy-matched surgical guides ,” said Ben-Zvi . “ This allows surgeons a better view and planning prior to the operation followed by precise and safe guidance of surgery tools such as drillers and saws during the surgery .
“ These help surgeons reduce potential risks and complications , save procedure time and help perform precise and successful kidney-sparing surgery , improving patient outcomes .”
Models can also be made for the purposes of patient education by bridging communication between doctors and their patients and even between the medical staff itself .
“ Doctors often face difficulties in explaining to patients their clinical condition and the reason for their decision to operate ,” he says . “ Having a tangible replica of a patient ’ s exact anatomy may assist doctors in bridging the clinical and anatomy knowledge gap of the patients
“ 3D printing companies are increasingly focusing on education and market awareness ”
EREZ BEN-ZVI VP MEDICAL , STRATASYS
74 December 2023