Synopsis:
University Hospital Birmingham implements Stratasys' J5 MediJet 3D printing for head and neck cancer patients, reducing surgery time by up to 3 hours. The technology crafts precise, patient-specific cutting guides using Biocompatible Clear MED610 resin. This innovation revolutionizes surgical planning, ensuring accuracy and patient comfort while enhancing surgical outcomes.
Article:
University Hospital Birmingham has introduced groundbreaking changes in surgery, employing Stratasys' J5 MediJet 3D printing to significantly shorten surgical durations for head and neck cancer patients. This innovative approach harnesses tailored 3D printed cutting guides created with extreme precision using Biocompatible Clear MED610 resin, thereby revolutionizing the approach to tumor removal.
The adoption of 3D printing at the hospital has led to the creation of highly accurate patient-specific devices with a resolution within 150 microns, a feat that significantly supports surgical procedures. The utilization of these guides is a remarkable shift from the traditional method of manually shaping metal pieces during surgery, a process prone to errors and time inefficiencies.
Stefan Edmondson, Consultant Clinical Scientist at the hospital, highlighted the monumental benefits of 3D printing in surgical planning. By leveraging patient scans to create personalized 3D visualizations and subsequent printing of anatomical models and surgical guides, the hospital can now ensure meticulous planning and execution of surgeries with unparalleled precision.
Moreover, the utilization of 3D printing technology in complex procedures involving transplanting a segment of a patient's fibula into the head or neck area underscores its superiority over conventional methods. The precision offered by the micron-level accuracy of the 3D printed cutting guides significantly minimizes rejection risks and discomfort for patients.
The implementation of Stratasys' GrabCAD Print Software further streamlines the entire 3D printing process, contributing to overall time efficiency in the workflow. University Hospital Birmingham's extensive experience with Stratasys' 3D printers showcases the efficacy of the J5 MediJet, recognized for its accuracy, vivid anatomical models, ease of use, and reliability.
The J5 MediJet, introduced in 2021, offers the ability to generate multi-material, full-color prints within a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple printers and reducing operational costs. Its user-friendly design ensures reliability and simplified maintenance, setting new benchmarks in the medical 3D printing landscape.
Conclusion:
University Hospital Birmingham's integration of Stratasys' J5 MediJet into their surgical practices is a monumental leap in medical technology. By utilizing 3D printing for tailored cutting guides, the hospital has significantly reduced surgery times, improved planning precision, and ensured patient comfort and safety, setting a new standard in surgical innovation.
