3D printing has become a buzz word, and rightfully so. This technology has disrupted almost every industry and, while not all 3D printers have the same quality of resolution, they do all offer the possibility of putting your dreams in your hands. 3D printing allows the possibilities to be endless.
What Is 3D Printing?
If you still are unfamiliar with 3D printing, the procedure follows the same process as traditional paper inkjet/LaserJet printers: First you create the file to be printed, then you electronically send the file to a printer, and the printer produces a physical version of your digital work. However, instead of documents and photos, 3D printers use CAD (Computer Aided Design) files. These are made using special CAD programs that allow you to digitally build 3D models (think of it as a digital version of clay sculpting). These files are then sent to an Additive Manufacturing Machine (3D Printer), and the 3D printer prints your model. Now you can hold, in your hand, a physical rendering of the CAD file you’ve created.
Current Use In The Medical Field
The medical industry has utilized 3D printing since the early 2000s. During this time it was being used to make dental implants and some custom prosthetics. It was identified early on that the major draw to 3D printing was the ability to produce medical devices that matched the unique complex geometries of each patient.
Currently the medical industry is exploring various channels that will include the use of 3D printing. These channels can be categorized as: tissue and organ fabrication, prosthetics and anatomical models, and pharmaceutical usage research. The scope of this article will cover the advancements and current use/benefits of prosthetics and anatomical models; namely the use of 3D printed bodily structure models to aid in Complex Surgery.
Used To Assist In Complex Surgeries
Aside from routine surgeries in favor of a healthy patient; preparing for complex surgeries or situations where the patient is not in optimal health, it is essential for the surgeon to enter the operating room with multiple game plans. Currently, the only means of preparation are by reviewing high resolution CT or MRI scans, and in some cases the use of a cadaver. While these resources have been essential, there are a few issues. The problem with cadavers is availability, cost, and they offer little insight to the patient’s pathology. CT /MRI scans only offer a 2 dimensional view of the area. It is with these predicaments that have made the use of ultra high resolution 3D prints highly popular; they are affordable, tailored for each patient’s circumstance, and can be reviewed anywhere at any time. Another benefit that would result from a 3D model is it will decrease the overall surgery time by letting the surgeons know where the issue is precisely located without having to gain bearings once the initial incision is made. These 3D models are individualized to the specific patient, being built with a CAD program from the patient’s MRI or CT scans. These 3D models offer the surgeon an ultra high resolution, physical, full scale view of the patient’s area of focus before the initial incision.
Local Service Poised To Help
When it comes to modeling anatomical features for surgery prep, the detail of the 3D printed model is crucial. TRINOTA owns and operates a Professional Grade 3D printer out of our secure warehouse in South West Florida. Our machine is capable of quickly building larger size ultra high resolution models with a resolution within 100 micrometers in as little as same day delivery. The material we build our models with is exceptionally durable and temperature resistant. We are also compliant with all HIPAA standards.
Background of Owners
Brian Luizzi along with his twin brother, Chris Luizzi, are Biomedical Engineers that graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University. They are trained in Medical Product Development and FDA regulation. They own and operate TRINOTA, an Engineering, Design and Manufacturing plant in South West Florida, hold multiple patents, and are currently working on both projects in-house and for clients. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us today!
