Pre-operative planning
Digital 3D modelling and 3D printing have opened new paths in personalised medical care. 3D models can be created reasonably quickly and easily from CT, MR or ultrasound data of a patients, which can illustrate and demonstrate their anatomical and pathological relations. These models can be used for creating surgery planning templates (e.g. drilling-incision templates), but even complete endoprosthesis systems can be designed with them. These processes are considered commonplace in dentistry, orthopaedics and traumatology these days. 3D models are also suitable for virtual pre-operative planning.
Based on segmented CT data, our researchers have successfully created bone cement moulds for cranioplasty, and tools and planning templates for surgical treatment of funnel chest or shoemaker’s chest (pectus excavatum). International studies have proven that these digital and 3D printed 3D models could shorten surgery duration and enable a more precise procedure, increasing patient security.