Multi-colour extrusion fused deposition modelling: a low-cost 3D printing method for anatomical prostate cancer models

Michael Y Chen,Jacob Skewes,Prokar Dasgupta,Nicholas J Rukin,Maria A Woodruff

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-67082-7

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printed prostate cancer models are an emerging adjunct for urological surgical planning and patient education, however published methods are costly which limits their translation into clinical practice. Multi-colour extrusion fused deposition modelling (FDM) can be used to create 3D prostate cancer models of a quality comparable to more expensive techniques at a fraction of the cost. Three different 3D printing methods were used to create the same 3D prostate model: FDM, colour jet printing (CJP) and material jetting (MJ), with a calculated cost per model of USD 20, USD 200 and USD 250 respectively. When taking into account the cost, the FDM prostate models are the most preferred 3D printing method by surgeons. This method could be used to manufacture low-cost 3D printed models across other medical disciplines.

Highlights

We have previously reviewed the costs associated with urological 3D printed models[1] and found that the majority of papers do not disclose the costs associated with the models
This was exported as a stereolithography (STL) file for fused deposition modelling (FDM) printing and a coloured Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) file for material jetting (MJ) and colour jet printing (CJP) printing
Eight urology trainees and thirteen urology consultants participated in the survey

Summary

Introduction

We have previously reviewed the costs associated with urological 3D printed models[1] and found that the majority of papers do not disclose the costs associated with the models. Two papers that created 3D prostate models reported costs of USD 5005 and USD 3176 using the 3D printing technique of material jetting (MJ). In the research setting, manufacturing high quality models is desirable but if these 3D printed models are to become integrated into clinical practice costs must be considered. It is potentially impractical for healthcare systems or patients to afford this level of expense, when clinical benefits remain unclear[7]. We sought to demonstrate that multi-colour fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a viable low-cost method for creating 3D printed prostate models compared with two other more expensive methods. The aim of the study is to determine whether low cost FDM prostate models can be of similar usefulness to more expensive methods in the surgical planning of prostate cancer

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion