3D-Printing in surgery: Beyond bone structures. A review

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), otherwise known as 3D-Printing (3DP) or rapid prototyping (RP), is the fabrication of an object from zero by means of depositing materials layer by layer. 3DP allows the creation of complex geometrical objects such as human anatomy. 3DP applications in a surgical setting have mainly been described for anatomical models (surgical planning, simulation and education), customized implants, prostheses and surgical guides. In order to 3DP for surgical planning, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images are converted to Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files. This process is called segmentation. Segmentation of bone structures is nowadays quite automated, whilst this becomes a challenge when dealing with other anatomical parts such as organs or soft tissues. This review explores what can be done in 3DP for surgical planning beyond bone structures, the current available technology, and clinical applications, limitations of printers and materials and ongoing research.

Keywords

• 3DP
• Surgical planning
• Soft tissue
• Segmentation
• Materials
• Printers