3-D Printing Applications

Surgical Models

Surgical Models are calculated surface 3-D models from stacked image data such as Computed Tomography (CT), Cone Beam CT (CBCT), Confocal Microscopy, Micro CT, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) through image segmentation. The region of Interest (ROI), selected in the segmentation process is converted to a 3-D surface model using an adapted marching cubes algorithm that takes the partial volume effect into account, leading to very accurate 3-D models. The 3-D files are represented in the STL format. The most common input format is DICOM. Once a 3-D model of the ROI has been established it can be exported to the surgeon as a 3-D digital representation that can be manipulated with the appropriate software or as a physical model fabricated. 

The following models can be requested: Digital representation, physical models of bone, soft tissue and a combination of soft and hard tissues, such as a model of vessels with bone.

Surgical Planning

Available by consultation through the Director of Services.

Surgical planning is the ability to use 3-D digital models of a patient to develop a treatment plan and is conducive to a team approach to treatment. Generally used in reconstruction techniques, models allow for movement of bone and soft tissue to a desired location and evaluated for feasibility prior to actual surgical intervention. Positioning guides, cutting guides, drill guides, and custom implants can be fabricated from these plans to aid in the actual surgical treatment to reach the desired goals. These techniques have proven to decrease actual operating time and improve outcomes.

Surgical Guides

Available by consultation through the Director of Services 

Surgical guides can be fabricated from your “virtual surgical planning”. Drill guides for dental implants, cutting guides and positioning guides for orthognathic and orthopedic surgery, and other devices can be fabricated. Presently, each guide is custom, however we look to the future to support many of the commercial treatment planning software available.

Custom Implants

Custom implant services range from Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) cranial plates to custom Titanium cranial plates and other reconstruction plates. Contact us for information.

Watch the 3-D MAC Software and Digital Applications Video