Transanal endoscopic surgery with a 3D printed device

Development of a Pain Measurement Device Using 3D Printing and Electronic Air Pressure Control

This article describes the design of a wireless pain monitor system, also known as a pain meter, which can be used to diagnose people with fibromyalgia. Background/Objectives: As the test should be done while a simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is being performed on the patient to observe their brain activity, the device must not have metallic components. Methods: Solid modelling and additive manufacturing were used for the manufacture of the device, an electropneumatic control has also been defined, and several prototypes were manufactured and tested. The work focuses on the validation of the designed pain meter, built by Material Extrusion (MEX) technology in different materials and with different printers. The surface finishes and manufacturing tolerances of the critical parts were tested, and their suitability for the necessary functions is verified. Conclusions: A proper mechanical pain meter device has been designed to be used in fibromyalgia diagnosis without metal components nor wires, which is therefore compatible with simultaneous MRI.

Anatomical Engineering and 3D Printing for Surgery and Medical Devices: International Review and Future Exponential Innovations

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has recently gained importance in the medical industry, especially in surgical specialties. It uses different techniques and materials based on patients' needs, which allows bioprofessionals to design and develop unique pieces using medical imaging provided by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, the Department of Biology and Medicine and the Department of Physics and Engineering, at the Bioastronautics and Space Mechatronics Research Group, have managed and supervised an international cooperation study, in order to present a general review of the innovative surgical applications, focused on anatomical systems, such as the nervous and craniofacial system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, genitourinary system, and musculoskeletal system. Finally, the integration with augmented, mixed, virtual reality is analyzed to show the advantages of personalized treatments, taking into account the improvements for preoperative, intraoperative planning, and medical training. Also, this article explores the creation of devices and tools for space surgery to get better outcomes under changing gravity conditions.