Authors (including presenting author) :
YU CH (1), LAM MLY (2), CHAN KC (1), CHUNG CTT (2), SO SS (2), POON TL (1), NG GWY (2), CHEUNG FC (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital，(2) 3D Printing Office, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Introduction :
Cranioplasty by patient specific implant can improve the functional status and cosmetic outcome in neurosurgical patients. We demonstrate a method of making patient specific implant from patient’s computed tomography scan of brain with help of 3- dimensional printing technology. It can achieve same goal when compared to commercially made patient specific implant with lower cost and shorter duration.
Objectives :
To demonstrate a method of making ｐatient specific implant with support form 3- Dimensional printing technology.
Methodology :
A patient had syndrome of the trephined after craniectomy and need cranioplasty to improve his functional status. With support from 3D Printing Office of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, we designed the patient specific implant from his Computed Tomography Scan of brain images. Then we produced a negative mould for making patient specific implant by biocompatible resin using 3D printer for use in operation. The negative mould was autoclaved before the operation and used to make the bone flap by acrylic cement during operation.
Result & Outcome :
Patient specific implant can be made locally with support of 3- Dimensional printing technology. The cost of making implants is significantly lower than commercially made patient. The time of producing the mould is shorter. This method might also be used in other specialties to make patient specific implants.
