CAD/CAM-assisted breast reconstruction

Abstract

The application of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques in the clinic is growing slowly but steadily. The ability to build patient-specific models based on medical imaging data offers major potential. In this work we report on the feasibility of employing laser scanning with CAD/CAM techniques to aid in breast reconstruction. A patient was imaged with laser scanning, an economical and facile method for creating an accurate digital representation of the breasts and surrounding tissues. The obtained model was used to fabricate a customized mould that was employed as an intra-operative aid for the surgeon performing autologous tissue reconstruction of the breast removed due to cancer. Furthermore, a solid breast model was derived from the imaged data and digitally processed for the fabrication of customized scaffolds for breast tissue engineering. To this end, a novel generic algorithm for creating porosity within a solid model was developed, using a finite element model as intermediate.

Additive manufacture of custom radiation dosimetry phantoms: An automated method compatible with commercial polymer 3D printers

“…The disruptive nature of additive manufacture has enabled commercial and clinical manufacturing outcomes not otherwise feasible with traditional manufacture [19]; Including: structural components for high-value aerospace and automotive applications [20][21][22]; structural medical implants [23][24][25][26][27]; scaffolds for reconstructive surgery [28]; medical anatomical models for treatment planning [29], and polymer implants for reconstructive surgery [30,31].…”

“…AM relies on digital data, consequently, recent enhancements in medical imaging technologies, such as multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have compounded the opportunities for clinical application of AM [34]. Medical applications of AM are broad ranging, and include [52]: surgical planning, whereby medical imaging data is used to fabricate custom objects to facilitate diagnosis and to minimise risk during surgery [53]; medical education and training, whereby AM is used to generate representative anatomical structures [33,34]; and, the fabrication of structural implants [54], and tissue scaffolds [28,55].…”

Bioprinting of Three-Dimensional Tissues and Organ Constructs

“…Bioprinting systems can be combined with CAD/CAM technology to place cells, biomaterials, and biomolecules within a 3D construct with precision [8,9,[31][32][33]. Using CAD/CAM technology, fabrication procedures can be generated using 3D volumetric information obtained from defected tissues and organs, which allows for fabrication of biomimetic 3D tissues and organs.…”

A review of using green chemistry methods for biomaterials in tissue engineering

“…2,3 Based on reported data, important techniques have been used in the reported research for the preparation of real scaffolds instead using real organ are bioprinting, rapid prototyping technologies, polymer solution casting, gas foaming, emulsification freeze-drying, thermally induced phase separation, electrospinning, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technologies, laser-assisted bioprinting, and assembly methods. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Application of these techniques is along with advantages and drawbacks.…”