3D Printing improves chances of success in surgery
Since Dr Robert E. Gross performed the world’s first successful procedure to correct a congenital cardiovascular defect in 1938 Boston Children’s Hospital has been considered one of the most advanced and forward thinking paediatric hospitals on earth.
Last year the hospital was ranked as the best children’s hospital in the whole of the US. One of the reasons Boston has such a good reputation is the implementation of advancements in technology to improve surgery and one of the latest developments from the neurosurgery department involves the use of a 3D printer.
Grace's surgeons used a 3D printer to practice surgery
Grace's surgeons used a 3D printer to practice surgery
Grace, a young girl came to the attention of the surgeons at Boston when her parents noticed her motor skills deteriorating rapidly. Brain scans quickly revealed that Grace was one of only a handful of cases ever seen in which a tumour had developed in the brain stem – essentially the command centre for the entire – surgery was critical.
Practice was the key, Peter Weinstock, Director of Simulator Program, compared this to a golfer practicing his swing, a surgeon needs to practice this brain surgery before performing it.
Surgeons used bell peppers for practice
Surgeons used bell peppers for practice
Previously, to learn the hand-eye coordination required on an operation of this minutia, surgeons had practiced on the likes of bell peppers until the arrival of a Stratasys Objet Connex…
The multi-material printer allowed surgeons to print an actual replica of Grace’s brain. This personalised simulation of surgery means the surgery can be performed twice with only one cut.
The brain printed on an Objet Connex
The brain printed on an Objet Connex
After two operations and some great care from the hospital and her family Grace is doing well, the tumour in her brain cell appears to have been removed successfully. According Neurosurgeon-in-chief at Al Cohen this kind of simulation pre-surgery is going to change the way surgery is practiced internationally.
