Researchers Develop New Method of 3D Printing Heart Models

3D Printers for Sale

Heart specialists at Spectrum Health, a consortium of 12 non-profit hospitals in West Michigan

announced they’ve successfully 3D printed the first model of a heart that utilizes multiple imaging techniques in a single, detailed print. 

The hybrid 3D heart model is much more detailed compared to the traditional heart models created with standard imaging techniques. The 3D heart model designed by Spectrum Heath, one of the leading healthcare providers in the U.S is set to be used by hospitals nationwide.

Spectrum Health designed a new method of creating 3D scans and prints of human hearts. The consortium implemented a  hybrid process that is combination of CT and MRI scanning and a ultrasound process called 3D echocardiography. By incorporating these three technologies, Spectrum Health was able to design the world’s first detailed 3D printed heart model that can be used in hospitals.

Lead author of the proof-of-concept study and cardiac sonographer Jordan Gosnell explained to MLive.com, “Hybrid 3D printing integrates the best aspects of two or more imaging modalities, which can potentially enhance diagnosis, as well as interventional and surgical planning. Previous methods of 3D printing utilize only one imaging modality, which may not be as accurate as merging two or more datasets.”

All of the different imaging techniques used in the innovative process designed by Spectrum Health enables doctors to create extremely detailed model of the patient’s heart. Such feature would allow doctors to plan surgeries and other minimal surgical processes accurately, raising the probability of success of a heart surgery.

To create a fully customized 3D scan and print of a patient’s heart, doctors first must scan the exterior anatomy of the heart with a CT scanner. Then, conceptualize the interior of the heart with a MRI scanner, and finally 3d print the model of a human heart through a process called 3D transesophageal echocardiography.

Information Credit -  Joseph Young

New in Store – Ultimaker 2 Go & Extended

3d print

Along with our recent announcement of the Ultimaker 2, we are now stocking the Ultimaker 2 Go and Extended. Meaning that whatever your needs are, we can accommodate them with Ultimaker.

Only recently did Ultimaker announce the 2 sister models for the classic Ultimaker 2. Named the Ultimaker 2 Go and Extended, they aim to fill the gaps left by the original model – namely affordable portable 3D printing, and large printing for design or industrial purposes.

The Ultimaker 2 Extended is the perfect choice for businesses or designers looking for the highest quality possible and a huge build size. The Extended has massive 30cm of vertical printing space, whilst maintaining the 20 micron layer height of the Ultimaker 2. Like the other models, the Extended uses a Bowden extruder system, which means the printer is capable of extremely high print speeds with minimal effect on quality.

The Ultimaker 2 Go is the perfect option for makers who want to enter the world of 3D printing with a low investment, but the high quality you expect from Ultimaker. This model has a smaller build volume of 12 x 12 x 11.5 (cm), and also uses a Bowden extruder. It also comes packed in a re-usable carry case, making it very easy to transport.

There are only 2 main differences between these printers – size is the obvious one, but the other main difference is that the Ultimaker 2 Go does not have a heated build plate.  The aim of this is to decrease the time it takes to begin printing, lower the weight/increase portability, and of course, lower costs. The downside is that this reduces the versatility of the printer slightly – ABS and several other materials require a heated build plate to print optimally. However, the Ultimaker 2 Go is still capable of beautiful PLA prints.

Information Credit - Marcus Rockcliffe

Chinese Girl Receives World’s First 3D Printed Skull

3d

A three-year-old Chinese girl made medical history on July 15, 2015 when she became the first-ever recipient of a 3D printed skull.

‘Big head baby’ Han Han had a rare condition which made her head grow up to four times the normal size. Congenital hydrocephalus is a birth defect that causes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to build up on the brain instead if draining away naturally and absorbed into the blood vessels. Han Han was diagnosed with the disease on her sixth month which caused her skull to grow up to 20cm x 20cm in size.

In addition, she developed other conditions ulcer and her optic nerve was squeezed so hard that it almost drove to become blind. Because of the size of head and her other health problems, Han Han became bedridden.

Doctors at the Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province in China quoted to Han Han’s father, Chen Youzhi, that the operation would cost him between 400,000-500,000 Yuan (approximately $64,000-$80,000). With the help of family and friends, they were able to raise 100,000 Yuan, but through online donations, the operation pushed through.

On July 15, surgeons at the hospital performed a 17-hour operation on Han Han. Dr. Bo, chief surgeon during the operation, says that “if she was not sent to hospital for treatment, she would not have survived the summer. We had to first eliminate the infection in Han Han’s head because the brain wound area was too large, and we needed to do skin graft surgery and insert a shunt to help eliminate the infection, and remove the fluid from her brain.”

Upon seeing Han Han, surgeons at the hospital decided to perform a “whole brain shrinking plastic surgery.” It involves the removal of her scalp, full 3D reconstruction and 3D printing of a new titanium skull, repositioning of the brain, and removal of the excess CSF fluid.

To the relief of her family, the operation was a success. As she grows up, the titanium implants will become surrounded by her bone, strengthening the top of her skull. The surgeons expect that the she will make a full recovery.

Information Credit : Jonathan Lawton