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Little Hearts of China Project: 3D-Printed Models Illuminating Complex Pediatric Cases

In April 2017, a young patient with serious cardiac deformity was the happy recipient of a successful heart surgery. His case was very complex and the surgery entailed high risks. What makes this surgery even more special however, is that it was one of the first to be performed under the patronage of Little Hearts of China. This charity project brings in selected young patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) from the western region of China and offers them advanced medical care that would otherwise not be available locally.

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5 Essential Tips on Getting the Best 3D-Printed Results for Your Anatomical Models

In addition to its many other benefits, Medical 3D Printing has revolutionized how the pathology of a disease can be visualized. In a growing number of hospitals worldwide, it has earned its rightful place as standard procedure, for instance, in the placement of standard knee implants or in using cardiovascular models for preparing congenital heart defects surgery.

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Groundbreaking Surgery for Jaw Reconstruction

Newcastle United football fan Tommy Innes has recently undergone reconstructive cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) surgery to remove a tumor from his lower jaw.

The 10-hour long procedure took place at The Newcastle Royal Victory Infirmary (RVI), where Tommy works as an NHS electrician. Materialise worked with the  surgical team involved in the complex CMF procedure, which involved replacing part of Tommy’s lower jaw with bone taken from his fibula.

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When 2D Imaging Is Insufficient in Understanding Congenital Heart Disease Cases

Cardiology has the distinction of being one of the earliest specializations in which patient-specific 3D anatomical models were implemented as part of treatment procedures. And although Medical 3D Printing has been used in the field for quite a few years already, much debate remains regarding which case should involve a 3D patient-specific model. It's a management decision that requires much thought and data. Until recently, literature on the use of 3D Printing in congenital heart disease (CHD) has been limited to anecdotal studies. This scientific publication has now given us more insight into the issue.

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3D-Printed Kidney Model Allows Surgeons to Successfully Transplant Adult Kidney into Two-Year-Old

For the first time ever, surgeons at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust have been able to transplant an adult kidney into a two-year-old child, using 3D Printing to achieve this complex surgery.

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3D Patient-Specific Modeling: Innovative Approach for Scoliosis Diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Kragujevac have proposed a new, non-invasive 3D methodology to assess scoliosis, in which spine measurements can be performed by limiting radiation exposure and human intervention. 

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How Pre-Operative Templating Could Have Prevented Trendelenburg Gait

How pre-operative templating would have permitted the identification of a more appropriate offset and avoided an extreme case of Trendelenburg Gait.

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Using a Digital Preoperative Plan to Manage Patient Expectations of Joint Replacement Surgery

Patient satisfaction is the ultimate goal of any orthopaedic surgeon performing a lower limb joint replacement. When the patient is shown to be satisfied with the results of their hip or knee arthroplasty; increased mobility, reduction in pain and consequent improvements in their quality of life, the surgeon can be satisfied that they have improved the life of their patient.

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Medical 3D Lab in Action: Clear Benefits after Just One Year

The Children’s Memorial Health Institute is one of the largest specialist pediatric hospitals in Poland. Their medical team takes on highly rare and difficult cases of congenital heart disease, and innovative technologies are essential in solving these challenging cases.

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Accuracy, Ease of Use and PACS Compatibility: Choosing the Right Orthopaedic Surgical Planning and Templating Solution

The ultimate objective for an orthopaedic surgeon must be to achieve optimum mobility and a pain-free life for their patient. Pre-operative planning plays a crucial role in achieving optimal outcomes, providing an intra-operative guide for the surgeon to, for example, check resection levels and alignment, as well as the size and position of the implant.

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