Assessment of a Novel Computer Algorithm for Printing a 3-Dimensional Nasal Prosthetic

Abstract

This algorithm can be used to model and print a 3-D prosthesis of a human nose. The printed models closely depicted the photographs of each volunteer's nose and can potentially be used to create a temporary prosthesis to fill external nasal defects. The appropriate clinical application of this technique is yet to be determined.

Custom-made artificial eyes using 3D printing for dogs: A preliminary study

“…Currently, 3D printed bio-models are widely used in the medical field because they can provide tactile feedback and reproduce anatomical structures and movements [25][26][27]. The 3D printing technology is used not only for planning surgical procedures, making intraoperative guidance devices, and training but also for producing facial prostheses of the nose and ear [28][29][30][31]. Herein, we aimed to create custom-made artificial eyes including ocular implants and prosthesis for dogs using 3D printing and evaluate their clinical performance in order to overcome these challenges.…”

Three-Dimensional Printing of Nasal Prosthetics

“…Common practice dictates the creation of standard triangle language (also known as stereolithography) files for the printing of 3-D objects, more recently translated from either laser scanner or radiographic DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) data by computer-aided design. 3 Shikara et al 4 must be commended for their effort in this issue of JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery to explore, redefine, and simplify the process of 3-D printing as it relates to facial reconstruction. Furthermore, they have created a replicable, inexpensive, and effective modeling technique with accessible computer programs.…”

“…Among the advantages that are thoroughly discussed by Shikara et al, 4 the low cost of planning and production is recognized. In the case of a patient dissatisfied with a nasal prosthesis, this method provides a way to produce multiple prostheses for experimentation to achieve ideal fit and contour in an affordable manner.…”

“…The lack of adequate preoperative photographs would hinder the ability to translate those images into a desirable nasal prosthesis. Although this may be a limitation of the study, one could take the techniques described by Shikara et al 4 to mirror an unaffected portion of the nose in Blender (Blender Foundation) or Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Adobe Systems) for prosthetic planning. Conversely, one could create an aesthetic ideal for the nose based on accepted aesthetic principles in a photo editing program to create the 3-D printed prosthesis.…”

“…Shikara et al 4 were successful in quickly creating wellcontoured prostheses; however, there was a color mismatch when comparing the yellow 3-D printed prosthesis with a naturally skin-toned nose. A true comparison of how well the 3-D printed nose can "convince" an observer is better studied with true color matching, as nasal aesthetics are gauged by light reflections and shadows that differ based on irregularities of skin tone.…”