A novel economically viable solution for 3D printing-assisted cranioplast fabrication

Lal, Babu; Ghosh, Modhupa; Agarwal, Bhaskar; Gupta, Deepak; Roychoudhury, Ajoy

doi:10.1080/02688697.2020.1726289

Cited by 13 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…FDM enables the design and production of bone scaffolds and implants, and takes part in drug development research [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 49 ]. Novel literature also presents numerous examples where it was used to prepare cranioplasty implants [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. For example, Thakur et al used an FDM printer to prepare an ABS-made template for subsequent PMMA-implant fabrication, reporting high accuracy, precision, and excellent esthetics, which were obtained postoperatively [ 50 ].…”

Section: Methods Of 3d Printingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is used by various specialists, including neurosurgeons. Thanks to this technology, it has become possible to print precisely fitted, low-cost bone prostheses for patients requiring postoperative cranioplasty [ 30 , 31 , 123 ]. It is also used in surgeries for pre-planning incision lines, which allows the operators to perform a precise opening of the skull, reducing the risk of complications and improving the cosmetic effect [ 22 ].…”

Section: 3d Cranioplastymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The PMMA castings built on printed forms can be further refined, e.g., by drilling holes, thus enabling a better flow, adhesion to soft tissues and providing greater stability [ 31 ].…”

Section: 3d Cranioplastymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Low-Cost Cranioplasty—A Systematic Review of 3D Printing in Medicine

et al. 2022

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The high cost of biofabricated titanium mesh plates can make them out of reach for hospitals in low-income countries. To increase the availability of cranioplasty, the authors of this work investigated the production of polymer-based endoprostheses. Recently, cheap, popular desktop 3D printers have generated sufficient opportunities to provide patients with on-demand and on-site help. This study also examines the technologies of 3D printing, including SLM, SLS, FFF, DLP, and SLA. The authors focused their interest on the materials in fabrication, which include PLA, ABS, PET-G, PEEK, and PMMA. Three-dimensional printed prostheses are modeled using widely available CAD software with the help of patient-specific DICOM files. Even though the topic is insufficiently researched, it can be perceived as a relatively safe procedure with a minimal complication rate. There have also been some initial studies on the costs and legal regulations. Early case studies provide information on dozens of patients living with self-made prostheses and who are experiencing significant improvements in their quality of life. Budget 3D-printed endoprostheses are reliable and are reported to be significantly cheaper than the popular counterparts manufactured from polypropylene polyester.

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Section: Methods Of 3d Printingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: 3d Cranioplastymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Low-Cost Cranioplasty—A Systematic Review of 3D Printing in Medicine

et al. 2022

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“…e use of 3D printing technology to prepare new molds for cranioplasty can significantly lower medical costs without affecting the prognosis of patients [77,78]. In addition, 3D printing is used to customize heat-cured PMMA, an economical and time-saving solution comparable to patient-specific titanium or PEEK prosthetics [79].…”

Section: Cranioplastymentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing in Neurosurgery

et al. 2022

Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

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Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been increasingly used in various fields of medicine, such as in auxiliary diagnosis and treatment, medical teaching, and regenerative medicine. Most operations performed by neurosurgeons and associated pathological examinations involve complex, microscopic anatomical structures that cannot be observed outside. 3D-printed models can reproduce anatomical structures, pathological tissues, and cells with high accuracy, enhancing our understanding of complex aspects of anatomy and pathology. They can also assist in preoperative planning and simulation, help in surgical or interventional surgery precision medicine, and improve the effectiveness of treatments. This review comprehensively summarizes and discusses its current application progress and problems, including treatments for common diseases (e.g., intracranial tumors, intracranial hemorrhage, intracranial aneurysms, skull repair, and neural prosthetics), clinical training, and preoperative plans. With its widespread applications, 3D printing as an innovative tool will provide new directions for developing imaging, strategies, and interventions in neurosurgical diseases.

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“…Lal et al described a technique used in an Indian hospital of 3D printing an open-air mold and then using wax pour-up as intermediate step before converting it to PMMA using lost-wax and compression molding. 9 De La Peña et al described a technique used in a Mexican hospital of directly 3D printing the cranioplasty in polylactic acid (non-implantable PLA), then creating a plaster mold around it and pouring PMMA into the plaster mold for final implant. 7 Both techniques require custom sterilization of the final implant prior to surgery.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cost-Effective Cranioplasty Utilizing 3D Printed Molds: A Canadian Single-Center Experience

Lannon

Algird

Alsunbul

et al. 2021

Can. J. Neurol. Sci.

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Background: Cranioplasty is a commonly performed neurosurgical procedure used to repair defects of the cranial vault. For large defects, 3D printing allows for the creation of patient-specific synthetic cranioplasties. Although these implants provide excellent cosmetic results for patients, costs are quite high. This makes their routine use challenging in the current Canadian healthcare environment. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with a novel, cost-effective method for cranioplasty using desktop 3D printers to manufacture patient-specific molds to aid in the shaping of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cranioplasty intraoperatively. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent cranioplasty utilizing 3D printed custom molds was conducted at a single center between 2018 and 2020. Either a two-piece self-align or open-air mold was utilized. Material cost, as well as demographic, clinical, and radiologic data, was reviewed. A five-point ordinance scale was used to evaluate patient satisfaction with cosmesis. Results: Four patients had previous craniectomies with infected bone flaps, 2 patients had significant bony destruction from tumor invasion, and 1 patient had bone flap resorption. Three patients underwent an open-air mold technique with a Ti-mesh/PMMA-combined implant. The remaining 4 patients underwent two-piece mold with PMMA-only implant. All patients had ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’ cosmetic outcome with one post-operative acute subdural hematoma and one post-operative infection. Two-piece mold resulted in improved cosmetic outcome and cost savings. Conclusions: 3D printing can be used in a cost-effective manner to deliver good cranioplasty cosmesis. Wider adoption of this technique can result in significant healthcare cost savings without compromising patient outcome.

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A novel economically viable solution for 3D printing-assisted cranioplast fabrication

Cited by 13 publications

References 22 publications

Low-Cost Cranioplasty—A Systematic Review of 3D Printing in Medicine

Low-Cost Cranioplasty—A Systematic Review of 3D Printing in Medicine

Application of Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing in Neurosurgery

Cost-Effective Cranioplasty Utilizing 3D Printed Molds: A Canadian Single-Center Experience

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