UTT's Medical Design Group Create Anatomical Models Using 3D Printing

3D printed model of patient anatomy featuring a neoplasm

UTT’s Medical Design Innovation (MDI) research group is using 3D printing technology to create accurate physical models of patient anatomy. Dr. Umesh Persad, leader of the MDI group in the Department of Design and Manufacturing, successfully printed various test models to demonstrate the utility of computational modelling and 3D printing technology in the local medical sector. The creation of physical anatomical models via 3D printing (also referred to as additive manufacturing) for surgical planning, implant design, patient education and medical education are not new concepts. However, for the first time, it is being done locally.

The Process

A first set of test bone models were created from an open-source anatomical database on the department’s 3D Systems Inkjet Z printer. These were used to demonstrate the technology to various medical practitioners. Then, in collaboration with Dr. Parmanand Maharaj and Dr. Alex Sinanan in the Department of Radiology at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, a patient’s computerized tomography medical imaging data set (CT scan) was used to construct a 3d digital model of the skull bone structures using various software tools.

The model features a neoplasm (tumour) on the lower jaw that causes bone erosion and also affects the dentition (structure and arrangement of the teeth). After editing the model to isolate the feature of interest, it was printed by a USA based 3D printing service using Stereolithography (SLA) technology and returned in a matter of days (SLA is not available locally). The model could now be used for surgical planning, prosthesis development, demonstration and teaching.

There are a range of 3D printing processes that could be used for anatomical models depending on the need. The type of process is chosen on a case by case basis, with some processes (such as Fused Deposition Modelling and Inkjet 3D Printing) being available locally and others (such as SLA and Polyjet) being available through foreign 3D printing services. Specialities that have benefitted from 3D printed models include orthopaedic, maxillofacial, dental, cardiac and reconstructive surgery.

Importance

This first milestone is important as it opens the door for local surgeons and healthcare institutions to explore digital reconstruction and 3D printing technology in their delivery of healthcare. The MDI group intends to continue working with local surgeons, radiologists and anatomists to further develop this area for the benefit of patients. Eventually, the aim is to enable surgeons to carry out pre-operative planning and personalised implant design using computational and physical models of patient anatomy, resulting in quicker and more reliable surgical procedures. In addition, a research project has started to produce an anatomical database of 3d models based on local case data for research and for training medical students.

Acknowledgements

Dr. Persad would like to acknowledge his collaborators including: Dr. Parmanand Maharaj (Radiology), Dr. Alex Sinanan (Radiology), Dr. Marlon Mencia (Orthopaedic Surgery), Prof. Surujpal Teelucksingh (Adult Medicine), and Dr. Richard Bibb (Reader in Medical Applications of Design at Loughborough University's Design School). Also thanks to Mr. Jorrel Bisnath and Prof. Prakash Persad for the use of departmental 3D printers.