Stratasys in this case study elaborates how Dr James KF Chow, Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in dentistry, uses Stratasys printing solution to produce prototypes of patients body parts to help him explain their physical condition correctly
In the past, doctors examined patients and made diagnoses using 2D medical scans. When the technology advanced to 3D scanning, the digital rendering remains a 2D static images on a computer screen, making accurate diagnosis to remain a challenge. The lack of a physical example also made it difficult to explain surgical procedures and risks to patients. “The more reliable way to prepare for surgeries is to create tangible 3-dimensional models. This also helps us communicate with the patient as it is easier to show them their condition with physical model,” said Dr James KF Chow, Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Technology failed to reach Dr Chow’s desired standard as a medical professional – until he turned to 3D printing.
Since the deployment of 3D printing a decade ago, the technology has become an indispensable part of Dr Chow’s work. Today, he digitally scans the parts of a patient’s body that requires treatment and creates 3D printed plaster models. With the addition of the multi-colour, multi-material Stratasys J750, he is able to choose from more than 360,000 different colour shades and multiple material properties to create highly detailed replicas of body parts or internal organs to be operated on. With these models, Dr Chow can walk patients through surgery in advance, helping patients understand the exact areas of treatment and every step he will take during the process. “Patients have the right to know the risk and benefit every surgery entails. With 3D printing, we can educate, reassure and instill confidence before their operations,” said Dr Chow.
Enhanced surgical precision
3D printing plays a pivotal role in enhancing surgical precision. Dr Chow can produce 3D-printed guides for dental implants, which allow him to create a plan for each area that requires implants before the surgery. “Thorough preparation is key to a successful surgery. The oral cavity is full of nerve endings and 3D printing greatly simplifies the preparation process for me.”
With the capabilities of the Stratasys J750, each 3D printed model can represent everything from gums to nerve ending and teeth with a wide range of materials and colours. “In addition to rigid 3D models and surgical guides, the Stratasys J750 goes a step further to help us create a replica of a patient’s body part with the exact shape, nuanced colour and texture. Be it nerves, bones, muscle or blood vessels, surgeons and medical practitioners are able to visualise a patient’s condition in detail and proceed through operations with confidence, subsequently reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes,” he said.
3D Printing indispensable to the digital workflow
The adoption of 3D printing not only enhances surgical quality, it simplifies Dr Chow’s workflow through integrating all the technologies needed to create a true-to-life model in house. “The scanned render on the screen is what I get off the J750. There is no need to outsource it to other vendors to produce the models,” Dr Chow said.
Dr Chow is optimistic about the future of 3D printing. “The technology is set to advance and produce even more faithful models. I believe its application and adoption will continue to expand in the healthcare sector, especially in the surgical team, or medical tools production where customisation is highly valuable but resource consuming. We are confident to keep increasing our patients’ satisfaction through advanced technology such as 3D printing.”