Face implants PRINTED
STATE-OF-THE-ART 3D PRINTER TO BE USED TO TREAT PATIENTS WHO HAVE SUFFERED FACIAL INJURIES
PATIENTS who have suffered severe facial trauma will have reconstructive implants PRINTED following an investment in the latest cutting-edge technology.
The maxillofacial laboratory at North Manchester General Hospital has spent £38,000 on a 3D printer and £20,000 on software packages – making it the first NHS hospital in Greater Manchester using a printer to directly treat patients.
The technology will help reduce surgery time and therefore the length of time patients have to be under anaesthetic for, and hospital bosses say it will also ‘improve surgical outcomes.’
The printer works by using scans to create a virtual 3D model. Surgeons and reconstructive experts are then able to plan prosthetics that are specific to the patient, which are printed out and sterilised before being used in surgery.
According to reconstructive scientist Oliver Burley, who manages the laboratory, the main purpose of the technology is to help patients who have had to have part of their face removed in order to manage a disease – predominantly cancer; have suffered facial trauma or have congenital anomalies.
He said: “This requires pre-surgical planning to facilitate accurate plates and bars which are designed specifically for individual patients by matching their unique anatomy.
“Previously we would have had to create a model of the device by using external companies which typically took in excess of two weeks.
“Now the 3D printer is based inhouse we are able to design and manufacture a variety of medical devices within hours.”
Andrew Baldwin, consultant maxillofacial surgeon and clinical director for surgery at the hospital, added: “North Manchester General Hospital has one of the largest head and neck cancer centres in the region, so it is very important the latest practices and technology are utilised.
“With increasing demands and expectations there is a need for better quality service to provide patients with the best possible care.
“Within medicine, the oral and maxillofacial speciality has led the way in embracing 3D technologies.”
Hospital bosses hope that in time the technology can be used in other areas such as orthodontics, orthopaedics, cardiology and ophthalmology.