Three-dimensional Medical Printing and Associated Legal Issues in Plastic Surgery: A Scoping Review

Leonard Knoedler; Samuel Knoedler; Martin Kauke-Navarro, MD; Christoph Knoedler, JD, PhD; Simon Hoefer; Helena Baecher; Ulrich M. Gassner, JD, PhD; Hans-Guenther Machens, MD, PhD; Lukas Prantl, MD, PhD; Adriana C. Panayi, MD

doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000004965

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (Apr 2023)

Three-dimensional Medical Printing and Associated Legal Issues in Plastic Surgery: A Scoping Review

Leonard Knoedler,
Samuel Knoedler,
Martin Kauke-Navarro, MD,
Christoph Knoedler, JD, PhD,
Simon Hoefer,
Helena Baecher,
Ulrich M. Gassner, JD, PhD,
Hans-Guenther Machens, MD, PhD,
Lukas Prantl, MD, PhD,
Adriana C. Panayi, MD

Affiliations

Leonard Knoedler: From the * Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
Samuel Knoedler: † Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
Martin Kauke-Navarro, MD: † Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
Christoph Knoedler, JD, PhD: ¶ Faculty of Applied Social and Health Sciences, Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg, Germany
Simon Hoefer: ‖ Faculty of Law, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
Helena Baecher: From the * Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
Ulrich M. Gassner, JD, PhD: ** Faculty of Law, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
Hans-Guenther Machens, MD, PhD: ‡ Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Lukas Prantl, MD, PhD: From the * Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
Adriana C. Panayi, MD: † Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000004965
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11, no. 4
p. e4965

Abstract

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Summary:. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) represents an emerging field of surgery. 3DP can facilitate the plastic surgeon’s workflow, including preoperative planning, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative follow-up. The broad clinical application spectrum stands in contrast to the paucity of research on the legal framework of 3DP. This imbalance poses a potential risk for medical malpractice lawsuits. To address this knowledge gap, we aimed to summarize the current body of legal literature on medical 3DP in the US legal system. By combining the promising clinical use of 3DP with its current legal regulations, plastic surgeons can enhance patient safety and outcomes.

Published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open

ISSN: 2169-7574 (Online)
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Surgery
Website: http://www.prsgo.com

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