Three-Dimensional printed instruments used in a Septoplasty: A new paradigm in Surgery

Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing in Surgical Pathology: The Design of a Novel Grossing Tool to Aid Staple Removal in Pulmonary Pathology Excision Specimens

Pathologists or laboratory technicians who perform a gross examination of lung specimens may, under the pressure of performing a frozen section or in a less urgent setting when selecting permanent sections, encounter a specimen with a lesion close to a stapled surgical margin. Performing a perpendicular section from the lesion to the closest surgical margin is often necessary, and the technique of shaving the staple line from the specimen before sectioning may yield suboptimal results in margin assessment. It is widely accepted that staple removal is a tedious task, both time-consuming and, more importantly, with a high risk of damaging the stapled tissue and causing difficulty in its precise microscopic evaluation. With regard to three-dimensional (3D) printing, the emergence of software for 3D design, with easy-to-learn interfaces, available at no monetary cost, as well as the ability to have one's designs produced and delivered swiftly and at low cost through regional stores, has bridged the gap between conception and implementation of novel ideas in several sectors of medicine. A grossing tool was designed and 3D printed, with the aim of facilitating the procedure of staple removal by reducing the time required and the tissue damage caused. The tool was tested on test material created from synthetic sponges, with the goal of simulating the physical properties of lung parenchyma. The variables measured were time for removal per staple and estimated test material damage after removal of each staple. Two techniques for staple removal were used: the "pinch-and-pull" technique of vertically pulling the staple and the "push-through" technique of carefully lifting the staple by pushing the forceps perpendicularly underneath the staple. The results showed that the use of the tool is superior, with improvement for both variables in both techniques. Our report aims to showcase this novel grossing tool, present the approach to its creation, analyze relevant medical literature, and also highlight the ease of implementation and future prospects of 3D printed designs in medical education and practice.

Emerging Biomedical and Clinical Applications of 3D-Printed Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Devices and Delivery Systems

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is widely used in the field of medicine due to its biocompatibility, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Three-dimensional (3D) printing or the systematic deposition of PLA in layers has enabled the fabrication of customized scaffolds for various biomedical and clinical applications. In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, 3D-printed PLA has been mostly used to generate bone tissue scaffolds, typically in combination with different polymers and ceramics. PLA's versatility has also allowed the development of drug-eluting constructs for the controlled release of various agents, such as antibiotics, antivirals, anti-hypertensives, chemotherapeutics, hormones, and vitamins. Additionally, 3D-printed PLA has recently been used to develop diagnostic electrodes, prostheses, orthoses, surgical instruments, and radiotherapy devices. PLA has provided a cost-effective, accessible, and safer means of improving patient care through surgical and dosimetry guides, as well as enhancing medical education through training models and simulators. Overall, the widespread use of 3D-printed PLA in biomedical and clinical settings is expected to persistently stimulate biomedical innovation and revolutionize patient care and healthcare delivery.

Development and mechanical-functional validation of 3D-printed laparoscopic forceps

INTRODUCTION

3-dimensional printing has enabled the development of unique and affordable additive manufacturing, including the prototyping and production of surgical forceps. Objective: demonstrate the development, 3D printing and mechanical-functional validation of a laparoscopic grasping forceps.

METHODS

the clamp was designed using a computer program and printed in 3 dimensions with polylactic acid (PLA) filament and added 5 screws for better leverage. Size and weight measurements were carried out, as well as mechanicalfunctional grip and rotation tests in the laboratory with a validated simulator.

RESULTS

Called "Easylap", the clamp weighed 48 grams, measured 43cm and was printed in 8 pieces, taking an average of 12 hours to produce. It allowed the simulation of the functional characteristics of laparoscopic pressure forceps, in addition to the rotation and rack locking mechanism. However, its strength is reduced due to the material used.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to develop plastic laparoscopic grasping forceps through 3-dimensional printing.

Tribological properties of MAO ceramic coatings with annulus array texture on disposable surgical gloves

Introduction: In recent research, the expansion in the use of Mg alloys for biomedical applications has been approached by modifying their surfaces in conjunction with micro-arc oxidation (MAO) techniques which enhance their abrasion and corrosion resistance. Methods: In this study, combining laser texturing and MAO techniques to produce the dense ceramic coatings with microstructures. On the surface of the AZ31 Mg alloy, a micro-raised annulus array texture has been designed in order to increase the surface friction under liquid lubrication and to improve the operator's grip when holding the tool. For this work, the micro-morphology of the coatings was characterised, and the friction properties of the commonly used scalpel shank material 316 L, the untextured surface and the textured surface were comparatively analysed against disposable surgical gloves. Results and discussion: The results show that the Laser-MAO ceramic coating grows homogenous, the porosity decreases from 14.3% to 7.8%, and the morphology after friction indicates that the coating has good wear resistance. More specifically, the average coefficient of friction (COF) of the three types of gloves coated with Laser-MAO ceramic was higher than that of the 316 L and MAO ceramic coatings under the action of the annulus-integrated texture under the lubrication conditions of physiological saline and defatted sheep blood, which achieved the goal of increasing friction for the purpose of helping to prevent the problem of tool slippage from the hand.

Transformative applications of additive manufacturing in biomedical engineering: bioprinting to surgical innovations

This paper delves into the diverse applications and transformative impact of additive manufacturing (AM) in biomedical engineering. A detailed analysis of various AM technologies showcases their distinct capabilities and specific applications within the medical field. Special emphasis is placed on bioprinting of organs and tissues, a revolutionary area where AM has the potential to revolutionize organ transplantation and regenerative medicine by fabricating functional tissues and organs. The review further explores the customization of implants and prosthetics, demonstrating how tailored medical devices enhance patient comfort and performance. Additionally, the utility of AM in surgical planning is examined, highlighting how printed models contribute to increased surgical precision, reduced operating times, and minimized complications. The discussion extends to the 3D printing of surgical instruments, showcasing how these bespoke tools can improve surgical outcomes. Moreover, the integration of AM in drug delivery systems, including the development of innovative drug-loaded implants, underscores its potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects. It also addresses personalized prosthetic implants, regulatory frameworks, biocompatibility concerns, and the future potential of AM in global health and sustainable practices.

Review of robotic surgery platforms and end effectors

In the last 50 years, the number of companies producing automated devices for surgical operations has grown extensively. The population started to be more confident about the technology capabilities. The first patents related to surgical robotics are expiring and this knowledge is becoming a common base for the development of future surgical robotics. The review describes some of the most popular companies manufacturing surgical robots. The list of the company does not pretend to be exhaustive but wishes to give an overview of the sector. Due to space constraints, only a limited selction of companies is reported. Most of the companies described are born in America or Europe. Advantages and limitations of each product firm are described. A special focus is given to the end effectors; their shape and dexterity are crucial for the positive outcome of the surgical operations. New robots are developed every year, and existing robots are allowed to perform a wider range of procedures. Robotic technologies improve the abilities of surgeons in the domains of urology, gynecology, neurology, spine surgery, orthopedic reconstruction (knee, shoulder), hair restoration, oral surgery, thoracic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and endoscopy.

Biomedical applications of electrospun polycaprolactone-based carbohydrate polymers: A review

Carbohydrate used in biomedical applications is influenced by numerous factors. One of the most appealing characteristic of carbohydrates is their ability to reproduce from natural resources which makes them ecologically friendly. Due to their abundance, biocompatibility, and no contamination by residual initiators, the desire for polysaccharides in medical uses is growing. Research on fiber-based materials, with a variety of medical applications including bio-functional scaffolds, continues to yield novel and intriguing findings. Almost all biopolymers of diverse structural compositions are electrospun to fulfill biomedical usage criteria, and the electrospinning technique is widely employed in biomedical technologies for both in-vivo and in-vitro therapies. Due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability, polycaprolactone (PCL) is employed in medical applications like tissue engineering and drug delivery. Although PCL nanofibers have established effects in vitro, more research is needed before their potential therapeutic application in the clinic. Here we tried to focus mainly on the carbohydrate incorporated PCL-based nanofibers production techniques, structures, morphology, and physicochemical properties along with their usage in biomedicine.

MODERN APPROACHES TO CHOOSING SHAVER BLADE FOR ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY OF THE NASOPHARYNX AND PARANASAL SINUSES USING 3D MODELING

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To determine the effectiveness of the use of 3D printed templates of shaver blades for choosing the optimal blade shape for endoscopic surgery of the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: The shaver blade templates with bending angles of 40º, 60º, 90º and 120° for powered endoscopic sinus surgery were made according to the manufacturer catalog using the Asiga 3D printer and Dental TOOTH material. There were examined 100 patients who underwent endoscopic powered sinus interventions (50 - adenoidectomy, and 50 - removal of the maxillary sinus cysts). The patients with each type of intervention were divided into subgroups of 25 people. The subgroups differed by the approach to choosing shaver blades: using 3D templates - in the main subgroup, and traditional -in the control.

RESULTS

Results: The average number of shaver blades used for adenotomy in patients of the main group was 1.04±0.04, and in the control group - 1.36±0.09 (p<0.05). In patients of both subgroups, the 40º shaver blade, which is standard for adenotomy and recommended by most manufacturers, was most often used. In the control subgroup, it was used significantly more often. The frequency of the use of other shaver blades - 60º and 90º in both subgroups did not differ significantly and amounted to 40.0% (CI 95% 21.8; 61.1) and 36.0% (CI 95% 18.7; 57.4).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: The use of 3D templates for choosing a shaver blade reduces the number of blades used in adenoidectomy by 23.5%, for maxillary sinus cysts operation - by 18.2%.

The Utilization of Three-Dimensional Printing in Creating a Surgical Instrument: An Areola Cookie Cutter

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a rapidly evolving technology with many applications in the medical field. It involves printing solid objects from a digital file. In this paper, we describe our experience with the use of 3D printing in creating an areola cookie cutter that is compatible with sterilization. The objective of this study is to explore accurate and cost-effective methods of producing patient-specific areola cookie cutters. Auto computer-aided design (CAD) 3D software was used to design a digital model that was subsequently converted to a standard tessellation language (STL) file. The models were printed with the Formlabs Form 3+ SLA printer (Somerville, MA) using a resin material. Washing and curing were then performed followed by autoclave sterilization of the models. A total of 3 areola cookie cutters were created, each with different sizes (33, 38, and 42 mm) using resin material (Formlabs BioMed Clear Resin; Somerville, MA). All 3 models were able to withstand autoclave sterilization. The use of 3D printing has proven to be a valuable tool in Plastic surgery. We describe our experience of designing and producing an areola cookie cutter using a 3D printer; our model is compatible with the process of sterilization. We emphasize the advantages of a quick production time and accuracy in design.