Development of a patients-specific 3D-printed preoperative planning and training tool, with functionalized internal surfaces, for complex oncologic cases

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PurposeThe use of physical 3D models has been used in the industry for a while, fulfilling the function of prototypes in the majority of cases where the designers, engineers and manufacturers optimize their designs before taking them into production. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of reports on the use of 3D models in medicine for preoperative planning. In some highly complex surgeries, the possibility of using printed models to previously perform operations can be determining in the success of the surgery. With the aim of providing new functionalities to an anatomical 3D-printed models, in this paper, a cost-effective manufacturing process has been developed. A set of tradition of traditional techniques have been combined with 3D printing to provide a maximum geometrical freedom to the process. By the use of an electroluminescent set of functional paints, the tumours and vessels of the anatomical printed model have been highlighted, providing to this models the possibility to increase its interaction with the surgeon. These set of techniques has been used to increase the value added to the reproduced element and reducing the costs of the printed model, thus making it more accessible.Design/methodology/approachSuccessfully case in where the use of a low-cost 3D-printed anatomical model was used as a tool for preoperative planning for a complex oncological surgery. The said model of a 70-year-old female patient with hepatic metastases was functionalized with the aim of increasing the interaction with the surgeons. The analysis of the construction process of the anatomical model based on the 3D printing as a tool for their use in the medical field has been made, as well as its cost.FindingsThe use of 3D printing in the construction of anatomical models as preoperative tools is relatively new; however, the functionalization of these tools by using conductive and electroluminescent materials with the aim of increasing the interaction with it by the surgeons is a novelty. And, based on the DIY principles, it offers a geographical limitlessness, reducing its cost without losing the added value.Originality/valueThe process based on 3D printing presented in this paper allows to reproduce low-cost anatomical models by following a simple sequence of steps. It can be done by people with low qualification anywhere with only access to the internet and with the local costs. The interaction of these models with the surgeon based on touch and sight is much higher, adding a very significant value it, without increasing its cost.