Methodology of custom design and manufacturing of 3D external breast prostheses∗

Maillo, Beatriz Montejo; San, Alonso Blaya; Bobo, Pedro Armisén; Moreno, M.a Esther Montero; Haro, Fernando Blaya; Juanes, Juan A.

doi:10.1145/3434780.3436586

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 5 publications

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“…Precursors of external breast prostheses using additive manufacture have mainly worked in personalized (Eggbeer and Evans, 2011) or customized alternatives (Nilsiam and Pearce, 2017; Montejo Maillo et al , 2020). 3D printing offers the possibility of making one of a kind, and assistive technology is an area where this is enormously appreciated (Campbell et al , 2012), given the varieties of biotypes and how much humans are sensitive to each millimeter of extra material.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Method for manufacturing ergonomic bespoke external breast prostheses using low-cost computer-aided technology

Regina,

Foggiatto

2023

RPJ

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Purpose Breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer in the world, and mastectomies to remove tumors are still common. An external breast prosthesis (EBP) can be used to minimize the asymmetry, due to the ablation. Some governments do not cover costs of that assistive technology, and women end up using socks and fabric pockets filled with seeds, to simulate the volume lost in the surgery. This study aims to offer to those women a decent solution, ergonomic, but still affordable. Design/methodology/approach The authors interviewed 20 mastectomized Brazilian women, listened to their relate and 3D scanned them, to give rise to personalized external lightweight breast prostheses. The authors used free software for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, and low-cost 3D printers. From the strategy of bespoke products, this study generalized the method, to conceive mass customized prostheses, in a compromise solution that reduces personalization, conserving the best features of design. Findings This study achieved a method to manufacture ergonomic, bespoke external breast prostheses, using low-cost technology. Previous literature made them using expensive scanners, software and printers. Research limitations/implications The authors validated this method during pandemic, which restricted the number of patients the authors could have access to. This impacted authors’ possibility to work on matching the color of the final product and real skin. The authors understood, though, that precision of color, in the final product, is challenging, because of the peculiar aspects of human skin. Originality/value Using the method the authors proposed, personalized external breast prostheses can be manufactured using low-cost resources, democratizing better quality of life for more breast cancer survivors.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Method for manufacturing ergonomic bespoke external breast prostheses using low-cost computer-aided technology

Regina,

Foggiatto

2023

RPJ

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3D printed personalized assistive devices: A material, technique, and medical condition perspective

Vennam,

KN,

Pati

2024

Applied Materials Today

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3D and 4D Printing in the Fight against Breast Cancer

2022

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Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, characterized by a high incidence and mortality rate. Despite the advances achieved in cancer management, improvements in the quality of life of breast cancer survivors are urgent. Moreover, considering the heterogeneity that characterizes tumors and patients, focusing on individuality is fundamental. In this context, 3D printing (3DP) and 4D printing (4DP) techniques allow for a patient-centered approach. At present, 3DP applications against breast cancer are focused on three main aspects: treatment, tissue regeneration, and recovery of the physical appearance. Scaffolds, drug-loaded implants, and prosthetics have been successfully manufactured; however, some challenges must be overcome to shift to clinical practice. The introduction of the fourth dimension has led to an increase in the degree of complexity and customization possibilities. However, 4DP is still in the early stages; thus, research is needed to prove its feasibility in healthcare applications. This review article provides an overview of current approaches for breast cancer management, including standard treatments and breast reconstruction strategies. The benefits and limitations of 3DP and 4DP technologies are discussed, as well as their application in the fight against breast cancer. Future perspectives and challenges are outlined to encourage and promote AM technologies in real-world practice.

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Methodology of custom design and manufacturing of 3D external breast prostheses∗

Cited by 4 publications

References 5 publications

Method for manufacturing ergonomic bespoke external breast prostheses using low-cost computer-aided technology

Method for manufacturing ergonomic bespoke external breast prostheses using low-cost computer-aided technology

3D printed personalized assistive devices: A material, technique, and medical condition perspective

3D and 4D Printing in the Fight against Breast Cancer

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