As part of efforts to promote healthcare innovation in Singapore, ، Doctors at two leading government hospitals began using three-dimensional printing technology to develop surgical instruments and models of patient body parts for use in medical consultations. After the establishment of a specialized laboratory to perform this process by professional hands, Within the hospitals themselves, To shorten time and cost.

Before surgery, the patient usually undergoes radiological examinations, It is a process that aims to identify and convey the patient’s condition accurately and in a usable format; doctors often use surgical models or templates. They call it “surgical evidence”, They are guided by them in choosing the appropriate surgical instruments such as the type of scalpel or other means used in performing operations for patients. Surgeons with long experience may not need samples showing the affected organ in frequent or common cases. But cases such as complex fractions, for example, that are more complex require a very precise planning methodology based on comprehensive case models.

Therefore, With the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board, The National University Hospital of Singapore has collaborated with a medical industry company in conducting research to use technology to improve this process. These efforts have led to the establishment of two 3D printing laboratories within the National University Hospital of Singapore and Tan Tok Singh Hospital.

Whereas, in some cases, Such as complex or delicate surgeries and the accompanying pressures on patients and their families, It can be difficult to create models used as surgical guides. This prompts doctors to request the creation of special models for a specific case, But this solution is not radical, It can take weeks and cost thousands of dollars. In addition, Companies involved in model development often face a challenge. It is to accurately understand the needs of health care providers, This requires additional effort from surgeons, radiologists, patients and technical teams.

Because visual data are easier to understand and remember for the majority of humanity than oral or written data, The researchers found that the best solution lies in creating real models to explain the state of health and the action to be taken. Using three-dimensional printing technology.

Through this technique, Templates can be created that are meticulously designed according to the patient’s condition, Using resin resin, Which takes a few hours to form and takes place within the hospital itself. For the first time locally, Doctors can order three-dimensional printed models based on the results of “computed tomography” (CT scan) scans. Which is based on X-ray of the patient’s body from different angles. These molds are used in a surgical simulation, Where doctors rely on them to plan surgeries and explore the procedures followed in them, Besides discussing cases with biomedical engineers.

For now The laboratory creates anatomical models of different parts of patients’ bodies such as leg and knee joints. In the coming stages, The laboratory team plans to produce other medical devices and instruments such as surgical guides used in complex surgeries, He will then explore mixed reality technology to support the development of the next generation of clinical applications.

As a leading academic healthcare institution, The National University Hospital of Singapore employs the 3D Printing Laboratory to improve clinical outcomes and develop new surgical techniques. As well as to raise the quality of training provided to new surgeons and doctors.

The experiment is still in its early stages, are constantly evaluated and their challenges monitored, If successful, The team looks forward to scaling up this technique, They are working towards the establishment of a specialized center for 3D printing to provide this service to different hospitals, and thus, The process will be managed by experts in the field, This will increase the efficiency of coordination between different disciplines and raise the level of health care.

This innovation is gaining increasing importance and presence in several hospitals around the world, It can help doctors provide patients with more understandable information and clearer consultations. The most important thing is that they will be able to perform the most complex medical procedures faster, more accurately and less risky. These models cost 10 times less than commercially available options. The average cost of developing the model is only $50.

This innovation will contribute to reducing the waiting time before surgery, Which increases the patient’s chances of recovery, In the same vein, Reducing surgeons’ reliance on CT scans will reduce patients’ exposure to radiation from this type of test.

With clear case models, the margin of error will be reduced, avoiding the risk of damage to vital organs. All of this is in line with the ultimate goal of raising the level of healthcare in the country.

References:

• https://www.ttsh.com.sg/About-TTSH/TTSH-News/Pages/In-house%203D%20printing%20service%20helps%20improve%20surgery,%20consultations%20at%20TTSH.aspx
• https://www.nuhs.edu.sg/sites/nuhs/NUHS%20Assets/News%20Documents/NUHS%20Corp/Media%20Releases/2021/Media-release-NUH-3D-POC-Collaboration-with-JNJ.pdf
• https://www.ibm.com/blogs/watson-health/model-improve-medical-data/