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Use of 3D Prototypes for Complex Surgical Oncologic Cases

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Abstract

Introduction

Physical 3D models known by the industry as rapid prototyping involve the creation of a physical model from a 3D computer version. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of reports on the use of 3D models in medicine. Printing such 3D models with different materials integrating the many components of human anatomy is technically challenging. In this article, we report our technological developments along with our clinical implementation experience using high-fidelity 3D prototypes of tumors encasing major vessels in anatomically sensitive areas.

Methods

Three patients with tumors encasing major vessels that implied complex surgery were selected for surgical planning using 3D prototypes. 3D virtual models were obtained from routine CT and MRI images. The models, with all their anatomical relations, were created by an expert pediatric radiologist and a surgeon, image by image, along with a computerized-aided design engineer.

Results

Surgeons had the opportunity to practice on the model before the surgery. This allowed questions regarding surgical approach; feasibility and potential complications to be raised in advance of the actual procedure. All patients then successfully underwent surgery as planned.

Conclusion

Having a tumor physically printed in its different main component parts with its anatomical relationships is technically feasible. Since a gross total resection is prognostic in a significant percentage of tumor types, refinements in planning may help achieve greater and safer resections therefore contributing to improve surgical management of complex tumors. In this early experience, 3D prototyping helped significantly in the many aspects of surgical oncology planning.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Margarita Vancells MD, JM Caffarena MD, and Rosalia Carrasco MD PhD for their technical expertise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950, Barcelona, Spain

    Lucas Krauel & Xavier Tarrado

  2. Fundació CIM, Department of Mechanical Engineering, ETSEIB, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Diagonal 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain

    Felip Fenollosa, Martín Pérez & Joan Gomà

  3. Pediatric Radiology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950, Barcelona, Spain

    Lucía Riaza

  4. Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950, Barcelona, Spain

    Andrés Morales & Jaume Mora

Authors
  1. Lucas Krauel
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  2. Felip Fenollosa
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  3. Lucía Riaza
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  4. Martín Pérez
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  5. Xavier Tarrado
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  6. Andrés Morales
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  7. Joan Gomà
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  8. Jaume Mora
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Correspondence to Lucas Krauel.

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Krauel, L., Fenollosa, F., Riaza, L. et al. Use of 3D Prototypes for Complex Surgical Oncologic Cases. World J Surg 40, 889–894 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-015-3295-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-015-3295-y

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